Mama's Fried Pies

Directions

1. 1
   Cook fruit in water until tender.
2. 2
   Drain and mix with sugar and margarine. Mash well. Refrigerate overnight if possible.
3. 3
   Roll out homemade piecrust dough and cut into saucer-sized circles.
4. 4
   Spoon fruit onto circles and fold over into crescent shapes, then close the edges completely with a fork. Fry until golden brown.
5. 5
   Place fried pies on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. 6
   Variations: For baked pies, place crescents on a lightly-greased baking sheet in a 400 degree oven until golden brown.
7. 7
   For apple pies, use dried apples and add apple pie spice (or nutmeg and cinnamon) and vanilla to taste.
8. 8
   For prune pies, use dry, pitted prunes and add vanilla to taste.
9. 9
   Place the flour and a dash of salt in a mixing bowl.
10. 10
    Add the shortening and cut it in with a pastry blender or use your hands, as I do.
11. 11
    Add the water, a teaspoon at a time, kneading until the dough is smooth.