These delightful hand pies are filled with a spiced apple mixture and fried to golden perfection, making them a wonderful treat for any occasion.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the butter doesn't brown to keep the filling smooth.
Add the diced apples to the saucepan and sauté for a few minutes.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, stirring well.
Adjust the spices to your taste preference.
Pour in the water and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Boiling helps the flavors meld together.
Dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the mixture.
Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
Stir in the vanilla extract, reduce heat, and simmer until the apples are tender. Cool completely.
Cooling the filling prevents it from softening the dough.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smoother dough.
Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use a pastry cutter or fork for even mixing.
Mix the beaten egg and milk, then gradually add to the dry ingredients to form a dough.
Add the liquid slowly to avoid over-wetting the dough.
Divide the dough into 12 portions and roll each into a thin round.
Use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
Place a portion of the filling in the center of each round, fold over, and crimp the edges with a fork.
Ensure the edges are sealed to prevent leaks during frying.
Fry the pies in hot oil until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
Dust the cooled pies with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
