The Famous Apple Pie

Description:

The Famous Apple Pie is a timeless dessert beloved for its buttery, flaky crust and warm, spiced apple filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this pie is a true classic that embodies the comfort of home baking. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the ultimate treat for any occasion.

Origin:

Apple pie has been a dessert staple for centuries, with roots tracing back to European baking traditions. It gained iconic status in the United States, where it became synonymous with American culture and home-cooked comfort food.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

5. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Assemble the Pie:

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, leaving the excess dough hanging over the edge.
8. Fill the crust with the prepared apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top with the butter pieces.
9. Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the apples and trim any excess dough. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp decoratively.
10. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the Pie:

11. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
12. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during baking.

Cool and Serve:

13. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

• For the best texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Chill the pie crust before rolling it out to prevent shrinking during baking.
• For a glossy finish, use an egg wash, and for extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

Recommendations:

• Serve with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a classic pairing.
• Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition (per slice, approximate for 8 slices):

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 200mg

The Famous Apple Pie is a delightful blend of buttery crust and spiced apple filling, making it the ultimate dessert for any gathering or celebration. ✨