Apple Pie

December 3: National Apple Pie Day

We would eat a classic apple pie as an All-American dessert on the Fourth of July. But we also like to eat it on Thanksgiving as an additional choice to pumpkin pie. Served à la mode, this comfort food makes a holiday or any day extra special. We are glad that National Apple Pie Day gives us another excuse to prepare this pie so we can eat it in celebration of this food holiday!

Recipe

(Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens All-Time Favorite Pies)

For the double-crust pie pastry dough

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup vegetable shortening (we used Crisco brand)
• 6-7 tablespoons water

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and the salt. Cut in the shortening and mix until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water at a time until the dough is moistened.

Divide the dough into two pieces. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to form a circle large enough to cover the diameter of the pie pan with a little overhang. Repeat for the other dough ball.

Without stretching the pastry dough, carefully place one of the circles on a pie plate. Trim the edges with a sharp knife before adding the filling.

For the apple pie filling

• 6 cups apples (we used Granny Smith apples)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tabespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• dash ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Peel, core and slice the apples thinly and place in a large mixing bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle this over the apples and toss to mix well.

Place the apples in the pie pan lined with the pastry dough.  Dot with butter. Cover with the other pastry dough. Flute the edges to seal.

Cut some slits to vent. Brush with milk or an egg wash and sprinkle a little sugar on top (optional). Place foil around the edges to prevent from overbrowning and burning. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for 20-25 more minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven. Cool completely to allow the apples to gel together. Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional).

Notes

• Make delicious dokeyanas/pets de sœurs with the leftover pie pastry dough. We posted the recipe on National Pastry Day on December 9.
• Search our blog for other pie recipes.