Fried Pie Dough

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups flour

1 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut in cubes

1 tsp salt

Method:

Whisk together the egg milk and vanilla and set aside. Mix together the salt and flour and cut in the cold shortening until crumbly. Fold in the wet ingredients just until a dough forms. Don't over work the pastry dough or it will become tough. Divide dough in half, form each one into 6 inch rounds, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1/2 hour. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness (careful not to make the dough too thick or it will not cook properly). Cut 6 inch circles out of the rolled out dough and pace a tablespoon or two of fruit filling. Fold the dough over the filling being careful to keep the outside edges of the dough clean. Press the edges of the dough together firmly using a fork to seal.

Heat canola oil in a deep fryer to about 325-350 degrees F. Higher heat will cause them to brown too quickly. Fry for about 4 minutes or until evenly golden brown. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.