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1
In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar, peach slices, cloves, and nutmeg.
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2
Mix until blended.
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3
Bring mixture to a boil; turn down heat and allow mixture to simmer until the peaches are softened, 20 to 25 minutes.
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4
Using a slotted spoon, remove the peaches from the saucepan and place in a small bowl.
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5
Reserve 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the peach liquid in the saucepan and discard the rest.
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6
Return the peaches to the saucepan.
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7
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and the cornstarch.
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8
Whisk cornstarch mixture into the peach mixture, stirring until combined.
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9
Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to keep from sticking; mixture will be very thick.
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10
Transfer peach mixture to a clean bowl and chill for 1 hour, or until completely chilled.
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11
To make crust: Sift together the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt into a large mixing bowl.
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12
Add the chilled cream cheese and shortening and, working with your hands or a fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
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13
Add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time and gently mix until the dough begins to stick together.
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14
Form dough into a round disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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15
Remove from the refrigerator and divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
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16
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough piece into a thin circle, about 6-inches in diameter.
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17
Place 1/4 cup of the chilled peach filling into the center of each dough round.
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18
Fold the dough over, making a half-moon shaped pastry, trim any excess dough leaving a 1/2-inch edge around the filling, and crimp the edges together with a fork.
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19
Chill pies for 30 minutes.
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20
In a large heavy skillet, melt vegetable shortening to a depth of about 1/2-inch.
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21
Heat the shortening to 350 degrees.
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22
Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with paper towels and sprinkle sugar lightly over the paper towels.
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23
Fry pies in skillet, in batches, until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes on each side.
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24
Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle the tops of the pies with sugar.
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25
Serve immediately with vanilla bean ice cream, or let cool on a wire rack and serve at room temperature.
