bea's sweet potato jacks

How To Make bea's sweet potato jacks

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  Step 1
  Cook 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes either by baking, boiling or microwaving them until tender and done. Cool and then peel. Put the 1/2 cup Crisco in the fridge as well as the 1/2 cup water. You want these two ingredients to be cold. This gives you a tender and flaky crust.
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  Step 2
  While the potatoes are cooking you can start on the dough. Add flour and salt together and combine well. Add in the shortening and mix it in by using a fork. Add in the cold water and continue mixing with a fork until flour has absorbed the water. Now retire the fork and dig in with your hands and continue mixing until it sticks together.
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  Step 3
  Form into a large dough ball and knead two or three times. Place dough onto surface sprinkled with either cornstarch or flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. I always use a cheese cloth on my countertop then sprinkle that with the cornstarch.
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  Step 4
  Divide dough in half and place one aside.
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  Step 5
  Smear your rolling pin with the flour or cornstarch and roll out one of the halves of the dough to about 1/8" in thickness. Cut into four-inch circles, which will be about the size of a large slice of bologna.
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  Step 6
  You'll have scrap dough left so ball it back up and knead it just long enough for it to start sticking together and repeat. You should be able to get 9 rounds out of each half of dough. Now start on your other half of dough and repeat. I just place the rounds on a cookie sheet and cover with a kitchen towel or paper towel at this point. NOTE: If using canned biscuits roll out each biscuit on a floured surface and follow steps below.
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  Step 7
  Mash up the two cooked and peeled sweet potatoes. I simply use a wooden spoon. Add in the sugar, cinnamon and melted butter and mix well.
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  Step 8
  Put a heaping tablespoon of mixture onto the middle of a pastry round. Try not use too much filling because once you fold it over it may seep out.
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  Step 9
  Fold over and press with your fingers to seal. Now use a fork and gently press to secure the seal. This also gives them that cute little design.
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  Step 10
  Heat either shortening or oil in skillet and gently place a few jacks in hot oil being careful not to over crowd them. Fry each side until lightly golden brown.
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  Step 11
  Remove and place on cookie sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. You can give them a light dusting with powdered sugar if you would like. Enjoy!
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  Step 12
  FILLING FOR APPLE JACKS: Bring to a boil 1 pack of dried apples, 3 1/2 cups water and 3/4 cup sugar. Cook for approximately 2 hours or until most of the water has evaporated. Remove from heat and add in 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
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