American as Hand Pie

Vivian’s crash course in mass producing hand pies inspires her to revisit the applejacks of her youth. Her journey includes a trip to West Virginia for a taste of their signature pepperoni rolls and a look at the world’s most popular hand pie — the empanada. Premieres March 27, 2020.

In Fairmont, West Virginia, Vivian learns just how significant the pepperoni roll is to the state's history. She's joined by food writer Courtney Balestier.

Vivian joins Sandra Gutierrez, author of "The Hand-Held Pies of Latin America," for lunch at Sarah's Empanadas in Durham, North Carolina. Over classic empanadas and new 'Southern-Latino' versions, Sandra details the historic journey of the hand pie from the Middle East to the Americas.

At the North Carolina State Farmers Market, up-and-coming chef Oscar Diaz shops for his favorite ingredients. He shares the seasonal ingredients that inspire him, and how his version of authentic cuisine is rooted in both Mexico and the South.