Unfried Apple Pies

These tasty individual desserts are a lightened version of traditional Appalachian fried pies, only here they are baked instead of fried - and slightly vegan-ized!

Start by making an easy dough: spoon 1/2 cup all-purpose flour into a measuring cup, leveling with a knife. Combine with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. baking powder.

Heat just 3 tablespoons of plain soy milk (such as Silk) over low heat in a small saucepan until warm. Transfer to a large bowl, and dissolve in 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (the Jungle Products shortening is 100% vegan, and Spectrum makes a vegan shortening as well).

Gradually add the flour mixture to the soy milk mixture, stirring with a fork just until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a sheet of plastic wrap, and form into a ball (it will be sticky). Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

To prepare the filling, combine 1/2 cup chopped dried apples, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (I used the latter) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar. Let cool to room temperature.

To assemble the pies, divide the chilled dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface, and place 2 tablespoonfuls of the apple mixture on one half. Wet the edges of the dough with water, and fold over the filling, pressing with a fork on the edges to seal.

Place the pies on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together just a teaspoon of Ener-G egg replacer powder with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush over the tops of the pies, then sprinkle them evenly with 3/4 tsp. of raw sugar - coarse sugar like turbinado works best here.

Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for 12 minutes until nicely golden, then transfer to a wire rack. The pies are yummy served warm or at room temperature; each one is 210 calories.

Cost:
dried apples $3.99
dried cranberries $6.49
apple juice $3.79