Candied Sweet Potato Pies

Name: Candied Sweet Potato Pies
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 12 pies.
Ingredients: 6 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups shortening; 2/3 cup water; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Oil for deep-fat frying; Confectioners' sugar

My grandmother made the best candied sweet potatoes and incredible apricot fried pies. I think this recipe combines the best of both!—Angela Eshelman, Phoenix, Arizona

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups shortening
2/3 cup water
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for deep-fat frying
Confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine water, eggs and vinegar; gradually add to dry ingredients, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and chill until easy to handle, 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
Meanwhile, place sweet potato in a small saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook just until tender, 10-15 minutes. Drain.
In a large skillet, combine the sugar, butter and potatoes; cook and stir until syrup is golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash. Stir in the lemon juice, salt and vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
Roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut 12 circles with a floured 5-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto half of each circle. Moisten edges with water; fold crust over filling and press edges with a fork to seal.
In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch of oil to 375°. Fry pies in batches until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar.