MomsMenu.com Recipe Finder Fried Fruit Pies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 cups fruit filling, such as cherry, apple or blueberry pie filling
Vegetable oil
Sugar (optional)

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl; cut in shortening with pastry
blender until crumbly. Combine egg and water, stirring with a fork: drizzle over flour mixture. Add vinegar, and stir with a fork just until dry ingredients are moistened. Divide pastry into thirds; roll each portion to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, and cut each into 5-inch circles.

Spoon 2 1/2 tablespoons fruit filling onto half of each pastry circle. Moisten edges with water; fold dough over fruit filling, pressing edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork dipped in flour.

Pour oil to depth of 1/2 inch into a large heavy skillet. Fry pies in hot oil over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain well on paper towels. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Yield: about 1 dozen.