In our homeschool co-op, I am teaching a 6-week course based on the Little House on the Prairie series. Each week, we read a book and then do an accompanying craft and enjoy a snack that would be reminiscent of the time period. Last week, our story featured Almanzo and his prized pumpkin at the county fair and our snack was apple hand pies, as it was one of the many yummy fair foods mentioned. Fall is, of course, the perfect time for apples, so grab a few at the orchard or farmers market and whip up a batch of these perfectly-sized treats!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 mid- to large-sized apples (or ~3 smaller to mid-sized)
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Crust:
- 2 c A/P flour
- ~1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 stick cold, grated butter
- ~6 TBSP cold water
~1-2 c oil (for frying)
either cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for garnish
Directions:
1. Wash, peel, core, and finely dice the apples. In a small saucepan over low heat, cook the apples, cinnamon, and sugar for about 10 minutes, or until the apples are soft. Once done, set aside to cool slightly.
2. For the pie dough, combine the flour and salt in the bowl of Kitchen Aid mixer with the paddle attachment. Add in the cold, grated butter and mix until it resembles pea-sized clumps. Add in the cold water 1 TBSP at a time and mix until the dough forms together. (Note: if you do not have a Kitchen Aid style mixer, use a pastry blender or forks to prepare the dough).
3. Using either a floured pastry mat or counter top, roll out the dough to ~1/8" thickness. Use a cookie or pizza cutter to cut out a circle roughly 6 inches in diameter. Place some of the filling into the circle and fold the circle in half. Use a fork to crimp/seal the edges. Continue until the dough is used (should make around 6 pies).
4. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry the pies two at a time until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with either the cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. Any leftover pie filling can also be added as a garnish. Enjoy!