All American Apple Pie
I’ve got pie on my mind these days folks but it has nothing to do with the holidays. It’s because I have discovered a new love – making pie crust from scratch.
I was store-bought pie crust’s biggest cheerleader. Secretly that was because making pie crust from scratch scared the bejesus out of me. That was, though, until making the savory crust for this galette. It could not have tasted better but part of me thought it was beginner’s luck. Then I made the same galette a few weeks later for my ladies brunch. During that same brunch my sister was so impressed that she asked me to make her an apple pie. Not knowing if luck would strike three times I said yes.
And with the help of this wonderful gadget, I can confidently say I am turning into a great pie crust maker. (And yes, I am my biggest cheerleader.)
I still need to practice, especially since crimping pie edges makes me sweat a bit. But if making pie crust from scratch wasn’t so easy, I would feel like I had broken the baking morse code or found the holy grail or something.
I will soon be posting the method that is working for me. For now, I leave you with this beauty of a pie.
Making the filling was a sinch! The hardest part was peeling and slicing the apples and not eating them (or feeding them to the doggie) before dumping them into the crust. For this pie, I used a combination of granny smith, pink lady and gold rush.
Now I have to confess, I’m not a huge fan of apple pie. (I prefer the eat the crust) But my sister, who made a special trip to my place just to eat it, LOVED IT. As did the hubs. And they are my toughest critics. So there!
For those of your who haven’t delved into the world of pie crust making, I say dive in head first. Cuz you’re gonna love it.
All American Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For The Crust
Follow the instructions for making two recipes of this crust, making sure to add 1 1/2 of sugar to the ingredients.For The Filling
6 to 7 (2½ pounds) medium to large Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
¹⁄³ cup (2¼ ounces) firmly packed brown sugar, plus 1to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar for sprinkling
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¹⁄8 teaspoon allspice
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk or cream
Good-quality vanilla ice cream, for servingDirections:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and position an oven rack in the center of the oven. Transfer one rolled-out circle of pie crust to a 9-inch pie pan and the other to a baking sheet. Keep them chilled until ready to use.
Taste the apples and if they are very tart, you may want to increase the sugar by 2 to 4 tablespoons. In the large bowl, gently toss the apples with the brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and allspice until evenly coated.
Use the scissors to trim the dough in the pie pan so it is flush with the rim. Transfer the filling to the pie shell and press down firmly on the apples with the spatula to eliminate some of the air pockets. Scrape any sugar or spices left in the bottom of the bowl over the top of the apples. With the help of your rolling pin, top with the other dough half, decoratively crimping the edges. Chill for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk to create an egg wash and use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the surface of the pie. Sprinkle the pie with 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 or 4 decorative slits in the pie to allow steam to escape Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, until the crust is a lovely golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for 40 to 60 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream.
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Stephanie — December 1, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
I love apple pie! Pie dough intimidates me so I stick to store bought, but your recipe looks like simple enough for me. Most of the recipes I’ve seen call for shortening and seem so time-intensive.
Michelle — December 1, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Your pie looks absolutely perfect. Kudos to you for taking the plunge and meeting huge success!
I’m a big fan of Julia Child’s pie crust recipe. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted and I toss it together in my kitchen aid in no time. Plus, it makes a lot, so I can put some discs into the freezer and be ready for a pie anytime. Love that!
Amy — December 1, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Pie trumps everything. Crust from scratch intimidates me too, but you’ve inspired me. As Nike would say “just do it!”
Bonnie — December 1, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Is there anything better than apple pie? Yes, apple pie with vanilla ice cream!
I have to admit that I have a real hang-up when it comes to American pie crust. The French tarts are easy for me but I cannot make a flaky pie crust USA style. I am, however, going to join you in that quest.
Best,
Bonnie
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic — December 1, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
I’ve been dreaming of making my own pie crust but never get around to it. And I’ve been hearing so many great things about prepared pie crusts, so I am pretty sure that’s what I’ll be using when I do my first attempt at pie-making! Your apple pie sounds delicious, I kinda wish I had some right now!
A Plum By Any Other Name — December 1, 2010 @ 5:26 pm
I am a big cheerleader for homemade crust; it just tastes SO delicious. I admit, I am still a little nervous about diving right in (I had a damaging pate brisee incident a few years back).
I’m finally ready to give it a-go again, so thanks for the encouragement. By the way, never would have guessed you were a pie crust novice from your picture!
Rosa — December 1, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
It looks beautiful! I love that kind of pie.
Cheers,
Rosa
Jennifurla — December 1, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
great job lady…I used my potato masher to make crusts!~
Paula — December 1, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
Apple pie is one of my favourite pies. Yours looks beautiful and I’m craving a piece of it right now.
p.s. Also love blueberry, lemon meringue pie and pumpkin pie
Steel City Flan — December 1, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
Pie crust is so satisfying – making and eating it (I confess I would rather eat the crust off an apple pie as well). This pie absolutely is a beauty.
vanillasugar — December 1, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
i am all about that crust chica! let’s eat from the outside in…ok?
Megan — December 1, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
You’ll get the crimping down in no time. The pie looks beautiful!
nikki — December 1, 2010 @ 8:06 pm
yum! that pie looks delicious.
Tracey — December 1, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
Congratulations on the pie crust! I struggled with it for a while too, but once you figure it out, it really is a treat to make
ingrid — December 1, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Yay! Great job on the crust. I’ve made my own but like you were wonder if I got lucky!
I’ll be back for your “how to”.
Hope you had a delicious and blessed Thanksgiving, Eliana!
~ingrid
Velva — December 1, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
I am always envious of people who can make their own pastry crusts. Love pie and my favorite part of the pie is the crust.
Happy belated Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Tessa — December 1, 2010 @ 10:00 pm
I have just started making pie crust too – my first on Thanksgiving (just for the hubs and I). I’m looking forward to seeing your method!
Ravenous Rowie — December 1, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
Delicious looking pie! Crust from scratch is always better! YUM!
Lori — December 2, 2010 @ 8:28 am
Hooray for homemade pie crust! It is really the only kind I like anymore. Your apple pie turned out beautifully!
Paris Pastry — December 2, 2010 @ 9:03 am
The crust looks like perfection! I can imagine eating the crust is your favorite part. Beautifully done chica!
Monique — December 2, 2010 @ 10:17 am
I love apple pie. I love baking pie. I HATE peeling and coring apples! It truly is a labor of love. I usually start out strong and then by the end of the process i am hacking at apples in desperation just to be able to move on to the next task! lol!
I need a pastry blender!
The crust is my fav part too!
Jackie — December 2, 2010 @ 10:33 am
OMG..your so brave. I haven’t crossed that bridge yet. I just have the hardest time stretching the dough with the rolling pin. Maybe if I read, re-read and read again your post, I’ll try TRY to venture and do it.
-Jackie
Maria — December 2, 2010 @ 11:43 am
I want a slice right now:)
Jamie — December 2, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
Love apple pie and yes the biggest pain is peeling, cutting and slicing the apples though I never feed any to the dog
I make my sweet pastry crust so often I can do it with my eyes closed! Your pie is great and now I’m craving a good old-fashioned apple pie.
Joanne — December 2, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
I have one of those little devices. But somehow It and I haven’t really bonded yet. In fact, I think last time I pulled it out, we had a bit of a fight. And my pie crust was less than subpar. I love the way your pie came out though. Way better than storebought!
MaryBeth — December 2, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
I really think there is no smell better in the house than a fabulous apple pie baking in the oven. A classic and my all time favorite!
5 Star Foodie — December 3, 2010 @ 9:43 am
Delicious pie – your crust looks terrific for sure!
Angie — December 3, 2010 @ 3:25 pm
Love, love, love it! I am scared of pastry too…lol. Can’t help it. This just look to die for.
Kerstin — December 4, 2010 @ 1:37 am
Your crust looks perfect – I so wish I was enjoying a big slice right now!
Katrina — December 4, 2010 @ 7:13 am
This pie looks simply perfect. Just like my Grandma used to make
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets — December 5, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
Lovely pie. As much as I love trying new desserts and fun combinations, apple pie is a classic I always go back to.
Julie — December 5, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
What a beautiful apple pie. Pie crust and I…well we just don’t get along too well.
Hope you are having a great holiday season.
Sara — December 5, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
I made a graham cracker crust. Does that count?
Added you to my blogroll. Thanks for posting such lovely recipes.
The Duo Dishes — December 6, 2010 @ 11:28 am
So glad you made your own crust. That’s the best part of the pie actually!
Lisa @ The Cooking Bride — December 6, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
Yeah, making a pie crust from scratch is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. And it does taste SO much better. But sometimes I still cheat and buy a store bought just for convenience!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit — December 6, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Your crust is beautiful! Mine really needs practice- this apple pie looks like a likely place to start.
Biz — December 7, 2010 @ 11:29 am
That looks amazing! I love homemade crust and discovered last year that its so easy to roll the dough between saran wrap to move it to the pie plate.
And one year I added sharp cheddar cheese in my apple pie crust – it was so good!
Hope you are doing well!
Abby — December 7, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
Yep. The homemade stuff is THE BEST. Wish I could have a slice!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction — December 8, 2010 @ 9:00 pm
This looks fabulous! I love good old traditional apple pie, but mine never looks nearly as good as this one.
Bren — January 9, 2011 @ 9:21 pm
ay que rico se ve esto!! tengo la boca totalmente abierta!