Apple Pie Recipe: A Slice of Tradition
There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, cinnamon-infused aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. Apple pie, a beloved classic, is the perfect dessert to whip up any time of the year. With its flaky crust and sweet, tender apple filling, it’s a slice of tradition that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. In this article, we’ll take you through an easy-to-follow recipe for making your very own homemade apple pie.
Ingredients:
To embark on your apple pie adventure, gather these common ingredients:
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Gala for a balanced flavor)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
Time Required:
The beauty of apple pie lies in its simplicity. You can have this delectable dessert ready in just about 2 hours, including preparation and baking time. It’s an ideal treat for spontaneous gatherings or lazy Sunday afternoons.
Preparation Steps:
Let’s break down the process of making an apple pie into easy-to-follow steps:
1. Preparing the Pie Crust:
a. Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
b. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
c. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be just moist enough to stick together when pinched.
d. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps ensure a flaky crust.
2. Preparing the Apple Filling:
a. While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even slices. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
b. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This will be your sweet and spicy apple coating.
c. Add the dry mixture to the apple slices, making sure they are evenly coated. Set this aside while you roll out the pie crust.
3. Assembling the Pie:
a. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
b. Roll out one of the chilled dough discs on a floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. This will be your bottom crust.
c. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
d. Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
e. Roll out the second dough disc into a similar circle for the top crust. You can get creative with decorative lattice work or simply place it over the filling, crimping the edges to seal the pie.
4. Baking the Pie:
a. Brush the top crust with a bit of milk or beaten egg to give it a golden shine.
b. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
c. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
5. Serving Your Homemade Apple Pie:
a. Allow the pie to cool for a bit before slicing into it. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.
b. Serve your slices warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.
Making apple pie at home is a heartwarming experience that anyone can enjoy. The process may seem a bit involved at first, but with a little practice, you’ll find that it’s not just about the end result; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake your way to a slice of tradition that’s as American as, well, apple pie!
Apple Pie recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbyahTnzbKA