Some recipes are more than just instructions - they're bridges to precious memories and connections to the people we love most. These apple hand pies carry the spirit of family kitchens and the timeless tradition of turning simple ingredients into something magical.

A Recipe Born from Love and Memory

When visiting my Dad, our conversations at some point always come around to his Mom who I called "Mammy." We remember our time with her and our greatest memories take us back to her kitchen. Dad shared that his favorite food was her Apple Hand Pies. Fried in her cast iron skillet (which is not mine), the crust was crispy and filled with cinnamon-scented apples.

I recalled that her crust was made with Crisco and buttermilk - other than those two ingredients it was open to interpretation. During my research I found several recipes that I have combined together to create what I think is so close to her original recipe. Hopeful that this recipe will take my Dad back to her kitchen like it did for me.

The Art of Recreating Family Recipes

There's something beautiful about the detective work that goes into recreating a beloved family recipe. When we only have fragments - "she used Crisco and buttermilk" or "they were fried in cast iron" - we become culinary archaeologists, piecing together techniques and flavors to honor those we've lost.

This process of recreation is about more than just getting the recipe right. It's about keeping family traditions alive, creating new memories while honoring old ones, and passing down not just ingredients and techniques, but the love and care that made those original dishes so special.

Why Fried Hand Pies Are Special

Fried hand pies represent a different era of cooking - when cast iron skillets were the heart of every kitchen and frying was an art form passed down through generations. The technique creates a crust that's impossibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender within, and the hot oil seals in all those wonderful apple and cinnamon flavors.

Unlike baked hand pies, these fried versions have that distinctive texture and richness that can only come from the traditional method. They're portable comfort food at its finest - perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or anytime you want a handheld taste of home.

Apple Hand Pies Recipe

For the Crust

• 2½ cups self-rising flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ cup Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• ⅔ cup buttermilk, chilled
• Canola oil for frying
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

For the Filling

• 2 large apples, peeled and cubed (Honeycrisp preferred)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Directions

1. Make the dough: Place flour and Crisco in large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add chilled buttermilk and combine until dough forms. Transfer to floured work surface, knead until dough is firm. Form into a disk and wrap with plastic wrap while preparing the apples.
2. Prepare the filling: In a small pan, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until apples are tender. Set aside and drain any accumulated liquid before using.
3. Roll and cut: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide refrigerated dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out one half to ⅛" thickness. Using a 4½" round biscuit cutter, cut circles from dough. Transfer circles to parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Assemble the pies: Remove chilled dough from refrigerator. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each circle. Brush egg wash around circumference of dough. Fold in half to create half-moon shape. Using fork tines, seal edges firmly. Refrigerate assembled pies for 30 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Fry to perfection: Heat enough oil to cover bottom of deep skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Once oil is heated, transfer 2-3 pies into oil. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat until all pies are cooked. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar while warm and enjoy!

Yield: About 14 hand pies

Pro Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

• Dough Temperature: Keep dough chilled throughout the process for easier handling and better texture
• Oil Temperature: Medium-low heat prevents burning while ensuring the crust cooks through
• Sealing Technique: Press fork tines firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying
• Drain Filling: Remove excess liquid from cooked apples to prevent soggy crusts
• Don't Overfill: Less is more - overfilled pies are hard to seal and may burst
• Cast Iron Preferred: If you have one, use a cast iron skillet for the most authentic results

Variations & Substitutions

• Baked Version: Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden
• Apple Varieties: Try Granny Smith for tartness or Gala for extra sweetness
• Spice Options: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger to the filling
• Crust Alternatives: Butter can substitute for Crisco, though texture will differ
• Sweet Additions: Try adding a small piece of caramel or cream cheese to each pie
• Glaze Option: Drizzle cooled pies with simple powdered sugar glaze

The Magic of Handheld Comfort

There's something special about food you can hold in your hands - it feels more personal, more intimate. These apple hand pies embody that comfort, whether you're enjoying them warm from the skillet or packing them for a picnic. They're the kind of treat that makes ordinary moments feel special.

The crispy, golden crust gives way to tender, cinnamon-scented apples that taste like autumn in every bite. They're substantial enough to satisfy but not so heavy that you can't enjoy more than one. It's easy to see why they were Dad's favorite - they're pure comfort food, made with love.

Keeping Family Traditions Alive

Every time we recreate a family recipe, we're doing more than just cooking - we're keeping memories alive and creating new ones. These apple hand pies might not be exactly like Mammy's, but they carry her spirit and the love she put into feeding her family.

The beauty of family recipes is how they evolve while maintaining their essence. Each generation adds their own touch while honoring what came before. Whether you're recreating a beloved family recipe or starting a new tradition, these hand pies represent the timeless appeal of homemade comfort food.

When you make these, think about the hands that came before yours, the kitchens where similar pies were made, and the love that goes into every fold and seal. That's the real secret ingredient that makes family recipes so special - they're seasoned with memory and served with love.