Fried Pies

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan over high heat, cover the dried fruit with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
2. 2
   Cook until the fruit begins to get tender and the liquid is reduced by 1/2 cup.
3. 3
   Add 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and boil until fruit is soft, thick and mushy. Do not let the fruit burn. Stir occasionally.
4. 4
   Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and soda.
5. 5
   Cut in 1/2 cup of lard.
6. 6
   Add enough buttermilk to make a dough.
7. 7
   On a floured board, roll the pastry out thinly.
8. 8
   Cut in 5-inch rounds and place a spoonful of filling in the center of each round.
9. 9
   Moisten the edges and fold over and seal with fork tines.
10. 10
    In an iron skillet, melt lard 1/2-inch deep.
11. 11
    Gently place pastries in the hot fat and fry until brown on one side.
12. 12
    Do not overcrowd.
13. 13
    Turn and brown on the other side.
14. 14
    Remove and drain on paper towels.
15. 15
    Sprinkle with sugar.
16. 16
    Eat hot or cold.
17. 17
    Yield:
18. 18
    8 pies.