🥧 Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies 🍑
Ah, Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies! These delightful treats are a true Southern classic, a fusion of sweet, fruity goodness and crispy, golden perfection. Let me share with you a long and detailed response about these scrumptious pies, complete with emojis for extra flavor! 😊
What is it?
Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies are a beloved dessert in Southern cuisine, particularly in the United States. They consist of a flaky pastry filled with a sweet apricot filling, which is then deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a delectable handheld dessert, a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
History:
The tradition of fried fruit pies can be traced back to early American history. These pies were a practical and delicious way to use up seasonal fruits and preserve them for later consumption. The deep-frying method was likely inspired by European pastry techniques. Over time, different regions of the United States developed their own variations of fried fruit pies, and they became a cherished part of Southern cuisine.
Components:
- Pastry Dough: You’ll need pie dough, which typically consists of flour, salt, fat (butter or shortening), and water. This forms the crust of the pie.
- Apricot Filling: The filling is made from apricots, sugar, and sometimes a touch of lemon juice or zest to enhance the flavor.
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying to achieve that crispy exterior.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt.
- Cut in the fat (butter or shortening) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Make the Apricot Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine apricots, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice or zest.
- Cook over low heat, stirring, until the apricots are soft and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into circles, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
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Assemble the Pies:
- Place a spoonful of apricot filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough in half, creating a half-moon shape, and seal the edges with a fork.
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Fry the Pies:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the pies and fry until they are golden brown on both sides.
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Drain and Serve:
- Remove the pies from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies can vary, but typically, you should budget around 1.5 to 2 hours to make these delectable treats from start to finish, depending on your cooking experience.
So there you have it, a detailed guide to Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies! 🥧🍑 Enjoy making and savoring these delightful, Southern-inspired pastries. 😊
Certainly, here are some nutrition facts and health information for Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Around 250-300 calories per pie.
- Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams, primarily from the pastry dough and frying oil.
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on the type of fat used in the dough.
- Cholesterol: Minimal cholesterol content.
- Sodium: Low to moderate, depending on added salt.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams, mainly from the pastry dough and apricot filling.
- Dietary Fiber: Some fiber from the apricots.
- Sugars: Around 15-20 grams, primarily from the sugar in the apricot filling.
- Protein: Minimal, typically 2-4 grams per pie.
Health Information:
- Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies are delicious, but they are not considered a health food.
- They are relatively high in calories and fat due to the pastry dough and frying process.
- The sugar content, while providing sweetness, can be relatively high due to the sugar in the apricot filling.
- These pies are a tasty indulgence and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Deep frying adds extra calories and may result in a higher level of trans fats, which are considered less healthy.
- The pies do contain some vitamin C from the apricots, but they should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrients.
In summary, while Auntie Mimi’s Fried Apricot Pies are a delightful treat, they are best enjoyed sparingly as an occasional indulgence due to their calorie and fat content. It’s important to balance them with a variety of nutrient-rich foods for a well-rounded diet.
