Fried pies are a favorite treat of southerners, and this orange-scented apple version is a great example.

Old Fashion Fried Apple Pies

1 cup cored, chopped Golden Delicious apples
1/4 cup orange juice - divided use
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
Dash salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Pastry for single-crust (9-inch) pie
Oil for deep-frying
Powder sugar

1. Combine apples, 3 tablespoons orange juice, sugar, orange peel and salt; cover and cook gently 10 minutes or until apples are tender.
2. Dissolve cornstarch in remaining tablespoon orange juice; stir into hot mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and smooth. Cool.
3. Thinly roll out pastry; cut into 5-inch rounds. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons filling on each round; moisten edges with water, fold in half and seal edges well with fork. Prick a few small holes in tops of pies.
4. Deep fry in oil heated to 375°F (190°C) about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper towels.
5. Sift powdered sugar over tops just before serving.

Makes 6 individual pies.

Recipe provided courtesy of Washington Apple Commission.