Introduction to Amish Apple Fry Pies
What are Amish Apple Fry Pies?
Amish Apple Fry Pies are delightful handheld desserts that encapsulate the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a convenient, portable form. Think of them as sweet, golden-brown pockets filled with tender, spiced apples that are deep-fried to perfection. Often glazed with a sweet vanilla icing, these fry pies offer a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, luscious interior, making them irresistible for those on the go.
The history and charm behind this delightful dessert
The origins of Amish Apple Fry Pies reflect the resourceful spirit of the Amish community, which values simplicity and practicality. Historically, this dessert emerged as a way to use up apples, especially during the harvest season, ensuring nothing went to waste. The charm of these pies lies not only in their taste but also in the stories they carry—a tradition passed down through generations. For a deeper dive into Amish culture, explore resources like Amish America, where you can find more about their culinary delights.
With their comforting flavors and rustic origins, Amish Apple Fry Pies are more than just a snack; they're a nostalgic reminder of simpler times spent with loved ones. So, whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy evening at home, these fry pies make for the perfect treat to enjoy.
Ingredients for Amish Apple Fry Pies
When it comes to making delightful Amish Apple Fry Pies, having the right ingredients is crucial for that authentic taste. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients for the Filling
To create a scrumptious filling that bursts with flavor, you’ll need:
- 2 large apples: Choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a delightful contrast to the sugar.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: This adds richness and depth to your filling.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cider: Adds a tangy twist that brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This will help thicken the mixture for a more desirable texture.
Key Ingredients for the Dough
The dough is just as important as the filling. For a flaky fry pie crust, gather these ingredients:
- 2 cups flour: Be sure to sift it for a smoother texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter: It's best if cold, cut into cubes.
- 2 egg yolks: They add richness and work with the dough structure.
- ⅓ cup HOT milk: Provides moisture to bind the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors of the crust.
Must-Have Items for the Glaze
To finish off these Amish Apple Fry Pies, don’t skip the glaze! You'll need:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: It ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons milk: This will keep your glaze smooth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet, glossy finish.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Required for frying to crispiness.
Ready to dive into a delicious homemade experience? Let’s get cooking! If you're looking for more dessert ideas, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for inspiration!
Preparing Amish Apple Fry Pies
Making Amish Apple Fry Pies is an enjoyable process that brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen. Think of these delightful treats as the perfect blend of a hand-held apple pie and a cinnamon-sugar dusted pastry. Let’s dive into the steps to create your very own batch!
Prepare the apple filling
Start by preparing a mouthwatering filling. In a small saucepan, combine:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cider
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cook these ingredients over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the juices begin to form. To thicken the mixture, whisk together the cider and cornstarch separately before adding it to the saucepan. Turn the heat to high and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about three more minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool!
Make the dough
Now, let’s whip up the dough! In a mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut 4 tablespoons of butter into cubes and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter until it resembles small pea-sized lumps. In another bowl, beat together 2 egg yolks and then stir in ⅓ cup of hot milk. Combine this mixture with the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and knead it until it’s smooth—about one minute should do the trick!
Assemble the fry pies
Divide your dough into six equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into about a 6-inch circle. Place 2 tablespoons of your apple filling on one side of the circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal. If you want to get creative, use a fork to crimp the edges or flute them for that classic pie look.
Fry to golden perfection
Heat some vegetable or canola oil in a deep saucepan until it reaches 350°F. A great trick is to dip a wooden spoon into the oil; if bubbles form around the handle, you’re good to go! Carefully drop the fry pies into the hot oil one at a time, frying until they are golden brown on each side, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Glaze the warm pies
While the pies are still warm, let’s make a sweet glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Using a pastry brush, apply the glaze on both sides of the pies and let it dry. If you're feeling extra indulgent, don’t hesitate to add a second coat of glaze!
With these steps, you'll have delicious Amish Apple Fry Pies to enjoy. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), these golden treats are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth! For even more delicious recipes, check out sources like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit.
Variations on Amish Apple Fry Pies
When you're ready to get creative with your Amish Apple Fry Pies, consider these delightful variations!
Different fruit fillings you can try
While apples are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruits:
- Pears: Their sweetness pairs beautifully with spices.
- Cherries: Tart cherries can add a refreshing zing.
- Peaches: A great option for summer with a juicy taste.
- Mixed Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries combined make for a vibrant filling.
Alternative dough recipes
Switch up the flavor of the dough for an extra twist! You could use:
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a nuttier flavor and health boost.
- Flaky Puff Pastry: If you're after a more sophisticated texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dough: Incorporate ground cinnamon and sugar for a sweet touch.
Feel free to adapt these suggestions to suit your taste, and who knows? You may just create a new favorite!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Amish Apple Fry Pies
Tips for Perfect Frying
To ensure your Amish Apple Fry Pies come out golden and crispy, maintaining the right oil temperature is key. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the crust can burn before the filling is cooked; too cool, and the pies will absorb excess oil. Fry them in small batches so the temperature remains consistent. Always use a slotted spoon to remove the pies, letting excess oil drain before placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Suggestions for Glazing Techniques
For a delicious finishing touch, glaze your pies while they are still warm. A pastry brush works wonders for even application of your glaze, made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Want a sweeter treat? Consider glazing both sides! Just allow the first coat to set before applying a second. For extra flair, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into your glaze for that authentic Amish flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Amish Apple Fry Pies
Pairing Ideas and Accompaniments
When serving Amish Apple Fry Pies, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of textures. Pair them with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a rich caramel coffee. For a hearty breakfast twist, serve your fry pies alongside crispy turkey bacon and scrambled eggs.
Creative Serving Styles
Elevate your presentation by stacking the pies on a rustic wooden platter or arranging them in a basket lined with a checkered cloth. You could even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for that classic touch or drizzle extra glaze over them. Want to make it a little more festive? Use colorful cocktail sticks to hold them upright for an eye-catching dessert display at your next gathering!
For more delicious ideas on dessert pairings, explore The Kitchn.
Time Breakdown for Amish Apple Fry Pies
Preparation Time
Around 1 hour is needed to prepare your Amish Apple Fry Pies, allowing ample time to create both the delicious filling and the flaky dough. Pro tip: get comfy with your ingredients, possibly play some music, and enjoy the process!
Cooking Time
These fry pies will take about 40 minutes to cook. Frying them to a perfect golden brown creates that irresistible texture that everyone loves. Keep an eye on them; they can go from beautiful to burnt pretty quickly!
Total Time
All in all, you’re looking at a total time of 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish. While it may seem lengthy, the satisfaction of biting into a freshly made Amish Apple Fry Pie is well worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
For more baking inspiration and tips, check out The Spruce Eats for a treasure trove of delicious recipes!
Nutritional Facts for Amish Apple Fry Pies
Calories per Pie
Each Amish Apple Fry Pie contains approximately 406 calories, making it a delightful treat to satisfy your cravings without overindulging.
Key Nutritional Components
When you enjoy an Amish Apple Fry Pie, you’ll also receive:
- Carbohydrates: 73g, providing quick energy.
- Protein: 6g, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: 10g, with only 6g being saturated, keeping it relatively heart-friendly.
- Sugar: 37g, offering that sweet satisfaction we crave in desserts.
These pies are a fun way to treat yourself, packed with flavors while still offering some nutritional benefits. For more on the benefits of a balanced diet, check out Nutrition.gov.
FAQs about Amish Apple Fry Pies
How can I store leftover fry pies?
After indulging in your delightful Amish Apple Fry Pies, you might wonder how to store leftovers. Keep them uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days if you’d like the glaze to remain crisp. To maintain freshness without affecting the glaze, avoid sealing them in plastic bags or containers. Instead, use a wire rack or a pan.
Can I freeze Amish Apple Fry Pies?
Yes, absolutely! If you want to enjoy these pastries later, freeze them after they cool completely. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor!
What's the best way to reheat them?
When you're ready to relive that tasty experience, reheat your Amish Apple Fry Pies in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain their crispy texture. For a quicker method, you can use a microwave, but be mindful of sogginess. Enjoy!
Conclusion on Amish Apple Fry Pies
In conclusion, Amish Apple Fry Pies are a delightful treat that brings together the classic flavor of apple pie with the portability of a fried pastry. They’re ideal for busy days or cozy gatherings alike. Whip up a batch, share with friends, and enjoy every sweet, crispy bite!
Amish Apple Fry Pies
Equipment
- sauce pan
- pastry cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- deep sauce pan
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cider
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the dough
- 2 cups flour (sifted)
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup HOT milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the glaze
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
Instructions
- To make the filling, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small sauce pan. Cook on medium heat until juices start to form, about 3 minutes. Make a slurry by whisking together the cider and cornstarch. Stir this into the pan, turn the heat up to high, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For the dough, cut the butter into cubes then use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour. Continue to cut in the butter until it's in small pea-sized lumps. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and salt together. Slowly pour in hot milk, stirring constantly. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir together until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto parchment or wax paper, and knead it until it smooths out, about 1 minute.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal sized pieces and roll them each into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll them out to about 6 inch circles. Fill each circle with 2 Tablespoons of apple mixture. Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. You can flute the edges or use a fork to crimp them. If the edges aren't sealing properly, wet them with a little water.
- Heat the oil in a deep sauce pan to 350 degrees. You can test to see if the oil is ready by sticking a wooden spoon into the center of the pot. If small bubbles form around the handle, you're ready to go.
- Place the pies in the hot oil one at a time and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to dry.
- Repeat with remaining pies.
- While the pies fry, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. It's best to glaze the pies while they're still warm. I use a pastry brush to brush the glaze on one side then let it dry, flip them over, and glaze the other side. You can put two coats of glaze on for extra sweetness if you like, but wait for the glaze to harden in between coats.
- Pies can be stored uncovered for 2-3 days. If you want the glaze to remain hard, do not place the pies in a plastic bag or sealed container. Just leave them on a wire rack or pan.
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