Apple Shenanigans

Several years ago, I was in the kitchen, cooking for Thom and Candace. I was in a particularly creative mood and felt like making something new. I thought of doing some kind of fruit pies, but wanted to find a new twist. Then I came up with a little gem of an idea. I thought, why not make a MINIATURE one? I was thinking they would be kind of like Hostess Fruit Pies, only better!
And here they are! They're SO yummy, and simple too! My friend Lauren described them as being kind of like funnel cake with fruit in them. How yummy is that?
Oh, and if you're wondering about the name....
After I had been in the kitchen for a while, Thom called to me and asked what sort of shenanigans I was up to. I said "Apple!" So, Candace made the executive decision that that's what they should be called.
And as Candace would say: "Apple Shenanigans = Jazz hands!"

Pillsbury ready-made pie crust
1 can apple pie filling
oil
powdered sugar

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out pie crust, just as you'd do for a pie. Using a large round cookie cutter, (3" or 4"), cut circles of dough. If the pie filling has large chunks of fruit (such as apple slices), chop them down so the pieces are much smaller. Place a tablespoon of pie filling in the center of each circle of dough. Lightly dampen the edges of the circle with a few drops of water. Fold over and crimp with a fork to seal the filling inside. Repeat as many times as you can, rerolling the pie crust as needed.
In a medium pot or Fry Daddy, heat a few inches of vegetable oil. Gently place each pie in the oil to deep fry. Be sure not to do too many at a time. When the pies are golden brown, remove from oil and place on a paper towel to drain.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve.


Tip:
-Clearly, you can use any pie or pastry filling you like. I used apple because it's my favorite kind of pie, but you can use any number of fillings. Lemon curd, almond or even prune pastry filling, blueberry pie filling, anything!
-You could even do a savory version, and just omit the powdered sugar. Simply fill each circle of dough with any kind of meat, cheese, or vegetable filling. I bet you could easily use the filling from the Amberlicious Sausage Wontons or Biba's Savory Eggplant Polpettes. YUM!