Southern Fried Chocolate Pies

Southern Fried Chocolate Pies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour -- fat removed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening -- * see note
• 1/3 cup water -- cold
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder -- unsweetened
• 1 stick margarine -- cold oil

*Use peanut or safflower oil or solid vegetable shortening for frying.

Cooking Directions

1. For crust: sift flour and salt together; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knifes, until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
2. Add ice water a little at a time while tossing with a fork, until dough holds together. Do not get too moist.
3. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles about five inches in diameter.
4. Mix cocoa powder with the sugar. Place 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture onto one half of the circle and place 3 very thin slices of cold margarine on top.
5. Fold opposite side over mixture and seal with a fork dipped in flour.
6. Pour oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a heavy skillet. Heat over medium high heat until very hot. Place pies in a single layer in oil and fry, turning to brown each side. An iron skillet works best.
7. Serve hot, warm, or cold.