Apple Pie Recipe.

Apple pie is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, and for good reason. With its flaky crust, warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a dollop of whipped cream on top, apple pie is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're looking for a dessert to impress your friends and family or simply craving a sweet treat, making an apple pie from scratch is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In this blog post, we'll explore the history of apple pie, discuss the ingredients and equipment you'll need to make a delicious apple pie, and provide a step-by-step recipe that you can follow to make your own perfect apple pie.

The History of Apple Pie

Apple pie has been a popular dessert for centuries, and it is often associated with American cuisine. The first recorded recipe for apple pie dates back to 1381 in England, where it was called "pye of apples." By the 16th century, apple pie had become a staple in British cuisine, and it was brought to America by early European settlers.

Apple pie quickly became a favorite among American colonists, who grew apples in their orchards and used them to make pies, jams, and other desserts. In fact, apple pie was so popular that it became a symbol of American culture, and it was even mentioned in a popular patriotic song, "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

Today, apple pie remains a beloved dessert around the world, and it has evolved to include a variety of different recipes and variations. From classic apple pie to apple crumble, apple tarts, and apple turnovers, there are endless ways to enjoy this timeless dessert.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make a classic apple pie, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (about 6-8 medium apples)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

In addition to the ingredients, you'll need the following equipment:

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Peeler

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, it's time to get started on making your apple pie.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing the dough with a fork until it comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.

4. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish.

5. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, dotting the top with small pieces of butter.

6. Roll out the second disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Cut it into strips and weave them into a lattice pattern over the top of the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges of the crust together with a fork.

7. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using.

8. Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.

9. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Tips:

• For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Some good options are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonathan.
• To make the lattice pattern, start by laying half of the strips vertically over the filling. Fold back every other strip and lay a horizontal strip across the center. Unfold the folded strips, then fold back the other half of the strips and repeat with another horizontal strip. Continue this pattern until the lattice is complete.
• If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use two knives or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture.