When I was a little girl, I went to the Oak Hill School, a one-room, one-teacher school in Charlotte, Tennessee. My mother made us one of these fried pies to take to school almost every day.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup vegetable shortening
½ cup milk
Cinnamon-Butter or Chocolate Filling (recipes follow)
Vegetable oil for frying
In a medium bowl combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix in the shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Add the milk, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Flatten into a round disc, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into a large circle. Cut into 5-inch circles. Spoon the cinnamon-butter or chocolate filling in the center. Brush the edges with a small amount of water, fold over, and press the edges together with a fork.
Pour the oil in a large skillet to measure ½ inch. Heat over medium heat. To test the oil, place a small piece of pastry in the oil. When it begins to cook, remove and add the pies 3 at a time, cooking until golden brown on each side. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate. Continue cooking new batches until the dough and filling are all used.
Makes 10 servings.