Southern-style fried apple or peach tarts

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Step 2: Make the Fruit Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples or peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Sprinkle in cornstarch or flour and stir gently until the fruit is evenly coated. The filling should be thick enough to hold together once cooked, but still juicy.


Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the rested dough out thin—about the thickness of a coin. Using a knife or round cutter, cut the dough into circles or rectangles, depending on your preference. Traditional Southern tarts are often rustic, so perfection isn’t required.


Step 4: Fill and Seal the Tarts

Place a spoonful of fruit filling onto one side of each dough piece, leaving space around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or pocket shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside during frying.


Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—when a small piece of dough sizzles gently, it’s ready. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy outside without greasy results.


Step 6: Fry the Tarts

Carefully place the tarts into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the tarts turn a deep golden brown. Flip them gently to ensure even cooking on both sides.


Step 7: Drain and Finish

Remove the fried tarts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for a classic Southern finish.


Serving and Storage Tips

Southern-style fried apple or peach tarts are best enjoyed warm, when the crust is crisp and the fruit filling is soft and fragrant. Serve them as a dessert, an afternoon treat, or even a sweet breakfast alongside coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, store them at room temperature for a day or refrigerate them, then reheat briefly to restore their crunch.


Final Thoughts

These Southern-style fried tarts are more than just a dessert—they’re a bite of tradition. Whether filled with spiced apples or sweet summer peaches, they capture the heart of Southern home cooking: simple ingredients, careful hands, and flavors that linger long after the last crumb is gone.

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