Fried Fruit Pies

Plumped apricots, sugar, cinnamon, and butter are pureed, spooned onto squares of pastry, folded into a triangle, and deep-fried. While still warm, they're sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. This recipe yields a delicious dozen.

• Preparation Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 352 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• water to cover
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, for dusting
• 12 ounces dried apricots
• 1 (15 ounce) package frozen prepared pie crusts, thawed
• ½ cup vegetable oil for frying

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place apricots in a saucepan, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain, reserving 5 tablespoons liquid.

Step 2

Place apricots and reserved liquid in a food processor container fitted with steel blade. Process until smooth. Add sugar, butter, and cinnamon; process until blended.

Step 3

Roll out one crust on lightly floured surface and cut it into six 4 inch squares. Place 1 tablespoon apricot filling in the center of each square. Fold each square in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press a fork dipped in flour onto the edges to seal, and poke tops to permit steam to escape. Repeat with remaining crust and apricot mixture.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Cook triangles, a few at a time, 2 to 3 minutes on each side; fry until the crust is golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.