Apple pies are a classic dessert that have been enjoyed for generations. There's something truly magical about the combination of warm, spiced apples encased in a flaky crust. In this article, we'll delve into the world of apple pie making, from creating the perfect filling to mastering the art of the crust. We'll also explore a delicious apple crumb pie variation and reveal the best apples for your pie.
### Starting from Scratch: Making the Crust
Making an apple pie from scratch begins with the crust. A good crust is the foundation of a great pie. To make a basic pie crust, you'll need flour, butter, salt, and ice water. Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, a little at a time, and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the crust tough.
Once the dough is formed, divide it in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out. When you're ready to roll out the dough, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and on the rolling pin. Place one of the dough disks on the floured surface and roll it out into a circle, starting from the center and working your way out. Aim for a circle that is about 2 - 3 inches larger than your pie plate. Gently transfer the rolled - out dough to the pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim the excess dough, leaving about a half - inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
### Creating the Apple Pie Filling
The filling is the heart of the apple pie. To make the filling, you'll need apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little lemon juice. First, choose the right apples. The best apples for apple pie are those that hold their shape when cooked and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Some popular choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and add the lemon juice. Toss the apples gently to coat them evenly with the sugar and spice mixture. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top of the filling to ensure an even distribution.
### The Apple Crumb Pie Variation
If you're looking for a different take on the classic apple pie, the apple crumb pie is a wonderful option. To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, butter, and a little cinnamon in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling in the pie crust. The crumb topping adds a delicious, crunchy element to the pie.
### Baking the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the filled pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35 - 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can test the doneness of the apples by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pie. If the toothpick goes in easily, the apples are cooked.
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. This allows the filling to set and makes the pie easier to slice. Serve the apple pie warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm, spiced apples, the flaky crust, and the cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
### Conclusion
Making an apple pie, whether it's the classic version or the apple crumb pie variation, is a rewarding experience. It allows you to create a delicious dessert from scratch that can be shared with family and friends. By following these steps and using the best apples for the job, you'll be well on your way to making a mouth - watering apple pie that will be the star of any gathering.
