Deep-fried apple pies

ingredients

• • 400 gram can apples
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar, plus ½ cup extra
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 4 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • vegetable oil for deep-frying
  • icing sugar to dust
  • thick custard to serve

method

• • 1

    In a saucepan, combine apple, sugar, vanilla and spice. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a simmer. Cool, then roughly mash and stir raisins through.

  • 2

    Cut pastry sheets into four squares and brush edges lightly with water. Divide apple mixture evenly between pastry squares. Fold over pastry, pressing edges with a fork to seal.

  • 3

    In a medium bowl, combine extra caster sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

  • 4

    In a large saucepan, heat oil until a small piece of pastry sizzles when added.

  • 5

    Deep-fry apple pies in four batches for 1 minute each side until pastry bubbles and turns golden.

  • 6

    Remove from saucepan with a slotted spoon, then toss in cinnamon sugar to coat. Serve hot with custard.

notes

-If preferred, use 2 chopped green apples in the filling. Cook with sugar, vanilla, spice and 1 tablespoon water until pulpy.