Southern Fried Pies - a handful of gracious goodness that says "love at first bite"

Nothing says Southern like fried pies. We typically make apple or peach; but others make apricot, chocolate or whatever their favorite pie filling. The secret is in using the dried fruit and the dough. No store bought biscuit dough if you expect to cook up the sensational taste of these mouth-watering hand held favorites. They are cooked in a seasoned iron skillet and every good cook probably has their own recipe, but here's the one that I use. Try it and oh my goodness, you're gonna love it from the first bite.3/4 cup dried peaches
2/3 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1/3-1/2 cup buttermilk
Water
2 tablespoons shortening
Sifted powdered sugar
For filling, in a small saucepan, combine dried fruit and 2/3 cup water. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until fruit is tender and water is nearly absorbed. Mash slightly; cool. Taste and add spice and/or sugar to suit your taste.
Meanwhile, for pastry, in a medium bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the 1/4 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, over flour mixture, gently tossing with a fork between additions and pushing mixture to side of bowl. (Add only enough buttermilk to moisten all of the mixture.) Form dough into a ball.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-inch circle. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut the dough into six circles, rerolling dough as needed. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling on half of each circle. Moisten edges of pastry circles with a little water. Fold circles over filling, creating half-moon shapes; seal edges with a fork.
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons shortening over medium-low heat. Fry the pies for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings.