Fried Apricot Pies

A favorite dessert in the South, fried pies with a richly flavored apricot filling made with reconstituted dried apricots.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 (6-ounce) packages dried apricots
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crust
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Cooking Directions:

1. Place apricots in a saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low; simmer for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 5 tablespoons liquid.
2. Place apricots and reserved liquid in a food processor; process until smooth. Add sugar, butter and cinnamon, process until just blended.
3. Roll 1 crust on lightly floured surface and cut into 6 (4-inch) squares.
4. Place 1 tablespoon apricot mixture in the center of each square. Fold each square in half to form a triangle. Press fork dipped in flour onto edges to seal and poke tops to permit steam to escape. Repeat with remaining crust and apricot mixture.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Cook triangles, a few at a time, 2 to 3 minutes on each side; cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 12 individual fried pies.