Zu's Fried Apple Pies Recipe

Place the apples into a saucepan with the sugar and cinnamon and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook the apples stirring frequently until soft about 10 minutes; mash the apples with a fork to form a chunky applesauce. Set the apple filling aside.

Whisk flour and salt together in a bowl and cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until the dough is moistened and knead several times just until dough holds together. Place dough onto a floured surface pat into a round and roll out 1/8-inch thick. Use a large round cookie cutter (4 inches in diameter) to cut the dough into 8 rounds.

Place a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of a dough round and use your finger to moisten the edge of the crust with cold water. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to make a half-moon-shaped pie. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Pour the oil into a skillet over medium-high heat and gently lay 2 or 3 pies into the hot oil. Fry to a golden brown color 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain the pies on paper towels. Sprinkle a pinch of confectioners' sugar over each pie to serve. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.