Hi there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: the All-American Apple Pie. This classic dessert, with its crisp, flaky crust and sweet, juicy filling, has been a staple in American homes for generations, making it a true culinary icon. The combination of tart apples, sugar, and warm spices creates a comforting, homely flavor that’s hard to resist, and I simply can’t get enough of it. This pie is perfect for any occasion – be it a family gathering, a potluck party, or simply a quiet evening at home. One of the things I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and my handy baking tips, you’ll be able to whip up this delightful dessert in no time. So, if you’ve been searching for the perfect apple pie recipe, look no further. I assure you, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
- pastry for double pie crust
- 6 c. thinly sliced cooking apples
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (optional)
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- dash of ground nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
Baking Instructions
- If apples lack tartness, sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- In mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg (for a very juicy pie, omit the flour).
- Add sugar mixture to the sliced apples; toss to mix.
- Fill pastry-lined pie plate with apple mixture; dot with butter or margarine.
- Cut slits in top crust for escape of steam; place pastry atop filling.
- Seal and flute edge.
- Sprinkle some sugar atop, if desired.
Calorie: 320
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
A Pie-ratical Tale of Apple Pie Making
What’s more American than crafting an All-American Apple Pie from scratch? Nothing, I tell ya, nothing! So grab your apron, a sense of humor, and let’s get cooking!
The Unassuming Apple
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but I reckon six cups of thinly sliced cooking apples keeps the neighbors away, especially if you don’t share your pie. But don’t just slice those apples willy-nilly! You’re a culinary artist, crafting your masterpiece one slice at a time. Notice the apples lack tartness? Give them a little zing with a tablespoon of lemon juice. It’s optional, but treating your apples to a lemon juice spa is a step they thoroughly enjoy.
Sweet and Spicy Sugar Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of sugar, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground nutmeg. You might be tempted to omit the flour, especially if you’re looking for a very juicy pie. But remember, the flour is there to soak up some of that apple juice and keep your pie from becoming a soup. The cinnamon and nutmeg? They’re the secret agents that take the pie from good to mind-blowing.
Apple Tossing – Not a Sport, but a Cooking Step
Now comes the fun part. Add your sugar mixture to the sliced apples and toss to mix. Be gentle though, you’re not flipping pancakes! You’ll want to coat each slice evenly. It’s like each apple is getting its own sugar coat before the grand ball, which is, of course, the baking.
The Pastry’s Time to Shine
So, you’ve got your pastry-lined pie plate waiting patiently. It’s time to fill it up with your apple mixture. Don’t forget to dot it with butter or margarine. This isn’t just for flavor, you’re actually giving the pie a steam facial. Fancy, right?
The Great Escape (of Steam)
Now, like any great artist, you must think of the aesthetics. Cut slits in your top crust to allow for the escape of steam. This is crucial, unless you’re aiming for a pie explosion in your oven. I’ve been there, folks, and let’s just say that cleaning baked-on apple isn’t my idea of fun.
Seal and Flute – Not a Dance Move, I Promise
Seal and flute the edge of the pie. If you’re like me and have no idea how to flute, just Google it! Sprinkle some sugar atop if you’re feeling extra sweet. Your pie is now ready for the oven. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. This is your creation, your masterpiece.
The Sweet (and Sticky) Victory
And there you have it, folks! A step-by-step guide to creating an All-American Apple Pie that would make even the pickiest of grandmas proud. Remember, with cooking, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey. And this journey, my friends, is one filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of butter. Now, who’s ready for a slice?
