Fried Sweet Potato Pies

Miss Erin's Note:

This is a real southern treat from Emeril's TV Dinner's cookbook.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 pies

• 1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 cups flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable shortening
• 3 -4 tablespoons ice water
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup cane syrup (Steen's brand)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 dashes Bourbon
• oil (for deep frying)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 -3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper.
3. Put them on a baking sheet and roast until tender about 1-1/2 hours.
4. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and 2 tsp sugar.
6. Add the shortening and work it with your hands until the mixture resembles course crumbs.
7. Add the ice water, 1 tbsp at a time.
8. Add only as much as you need to make a smooth ball.
9. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
10. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.
11. Roll out into a rectangle about 24x8 inches and about 1/8" thick.
12. With a sharp knife, cut 12 4-inch squares.
13. Peel the potatoes and put the flesh in a large mixing bowl.
14. Add the egg yolk, cane syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and a splash of bourbon and mix well.
15. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling into the center of each pastry square.
16. Fold one corner to the opposite corner to form a triangle.
17. Using the tines of a fork, crimp the edges to seal.
18. Heat 4" of oil in a large heavy pot or electric fryer to 360°F.
19. Fry the pies 2 or 3 at a time until golden brown, turning them once.
20. Remove the pies and drain on paper towels.
21. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tbsp of sugar.
22. Combine the powdered sugar, milk and remaining splash of bourbon in a medium mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
23. Drizzle over the hot pies and serve immediately.