Southern Fried Chocolate Pies

[jglass]

Southern Fried Chocolate Pies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup water -- cold
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder -- unsweetened
1 stick margarine -- cold
oil
* Use peanut or safflower oil or solid vegetable shortening for frying.
1. For crust: sift flour and salt together; cut in the shortening with a pastry
blender or 2 knifes, until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
2. Add ice water a little at a time while tossing with a fork, until dough holds
together. Do not get too moist.
3. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles about five inches in
diameter.
4. Mix cocoa powder with the sugar. Place 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture
onto one half of the circle and place 3 very thin slices of cold margarine on top.
Fold opposite side over mixture and seal with a fork dipped in flour.
5. Pour oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a heavy skillet. Heat over medium high heat until very hot. Place pies in a single layer in oil and fry, turning to brown
each side. An iron skillet works best.
Serve hot, warm, or cold.