An Apple Pie a Day...Keeps the Sweet Tooth Away!

Apple Pie.  Probably one of the most recognizable American desserts.  That is exactly why I thought it would be the just the right thing to start off my month of Thanksgiving desserts.  This recipe is easy for those that may not have as much time to focus on dessert for the Thanksgiving table!

As I was making this apple pie I thought to myself, this is the perfect dessert for the "non baker" or "non cook"because all you have to do is chop some apples throw them in a bowl with some sugar and spices and pour it into a unbaked pie shell.  The challenging part is making the pie crust from scratch.  So, for those who prefer the easy way or don't have as much time just go to your local grocery store and pick up a package of unbaked pie crusts, then follow my recipe for the filling only.  For those who prefer a little challenge try my recipe for pie crust (I promise it's not that hard). 

Apple Pie
Crust:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) of cold butter cut into small cubes
6 to 7 Tablespoons of ice cold water

Filling:
5 to 6 golden delicious apples
1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
3 Tablespoons of flour
1 Tablespoon of butter, cubed
1 egg
1 Tablespoon of water
1 Tablespoon of sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

For the crust, blend the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor.  Add the cubed butter and pulse several times until the mixture looks coarse and the butter is pea-sized.  Slowly add a tablespoon of ice cold water until when you squeeze some of the mixture together it sticks.  Be careful not too add too much water.  Put mixture on a clean surface and form together.  Divide the dough in two disks and refrigerate for at least one hour.

For the filling; peel, core, and thinly slice all the apples.  Put in a bowl and add the lemon juice, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar and mix together until all combined.  Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.  Stir thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Roll out the one of the disks of dough and place at the bottom of a pie pan.  Cut off the extra pieces of dough that hang off the edge.  Fill the pie crust with the apple filling.  Take 1 Tablespoon of cubed butter and place the cubes over the filling.  Take the other disk of dough, roll it out, and place it on top of the filling.  Press the edge of the bottom dough and top dough together.

Take 1 egg and beat it with 1 Tablespoon of water.  Brush on the top of the pie.  Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of sugar all over the top of the pie.

Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, until the crust is nice and golden brown.

*Tip 1: Putting the cubed butter and food processor blade and bowl in the freezer about 15-30 minutes before use will create a better crust.  The colder the dough is, the better dough you will have:)

*Tip 2: To add some variations to this pie, you can add walnuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to the filling!