These are the best!!
Sweet-Dough Pies
MAKES 6
The ''yams'' in this recipe are actually orange sweet potatoes.
FOR THE DOUGH:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
8 tbsp. vegetable shortening
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
FOR THE FILLING:
1 large ''yam'', peeled and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tsp. evaporated milk
2 pinches ground cinnamon
Pinch ground allspice
1. For the dough: Sift together flour, sugar, and baking powder into a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 knives to work shortening into flour until it resembles coarse meal. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring with a fork to form a stiff dough; shape into a ball and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
2. For the filling: Cook ''yams'', sugar, butter, and 1 3/4 cups water in a medium pan over medium heat, stirring often, until liquid is nearly gone, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside to cool. Mash ''yams'' with a fork until smooth. Beat in egg, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and allspice; set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350°. Divide dough into 6 balls, then roll out on a floured surface into 5'' disks. Spoon 3 tbsp. filling into center of each, fold dough over to form a semicircle, and crimp edges closed with a fork. Put pies on a foil-lined baking sheet. Prick tops all over with a fork. Bake until golden brown, about 40 minutes.
