Apple pie

Apple pie is a timeless classic that combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crust. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make a traditional apple pie:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Assembling:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the Butter:

   • Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Add Ice Water:

   • Gradually add ice water, starting with 1/4 cup, and mix gently until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed.

4. Chill Dough:

   • Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the dough to rest.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. Mix Filling Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Set aside.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Roll Out Dough:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit your pie dish. Transfer it to the dish and trim any excess.

3. Add Filling:

   • Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

4. Top Crust:

   • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal. You can also cut the top dough into strips and create a lattice pattern if preferred.

5. Vent and Brush:

   • Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

6. Bake:

   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

7. Cool:

   • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for easier slicing.

Tips:

• Apple Variety: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples provides the best flavor and texture.
• Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker filling, use cornstarch instead of flour.
• Pre-Baking Crust: For a slightly crispier bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.

Enjoy your homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience!