Apple pie

Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

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

For the topping:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the apple mixture and toss again.
3. Assemble the pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, letting the excess dough hang over the edge.
   • Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot with the small pieces of butter.
   • Roll out the second disc of dough into a 12-inch circle and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
   • Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
4. Bake the pie:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
   • If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
   • Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Tips:

• For an extra flaky crust, make sure the butter and water are very cold.
• Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your homemade apple pie!