Are you craving a taste of simpler times? The kind of taste that reminds you of cozy kitchens and family gatherings? Then you're in for a treat! This recipe, straight from Grandma's well-worn cookbook, is a journey back to the golden age of baking – a time when homemade meant love and care in every bite. We're making a classic, a true showstopper: Grandma's Apple Pie. Get ready for a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, making it one of the best recipes you'll ever try. This recipe offers healthy meals, making it a great option for homemade cooking. It's also perfect as a quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for Success:
- Use very cold butter and ice water for a flakier crust.
- Don't overmix the dough.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of apple varieties.
- If you want a sweeter pie, add a little more sugar.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warm spice kick.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and festive twist.
- Streusel Topping: Prepare a streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, and ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle it over the pie before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Cholesterol: 30-40mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
This delicious and easy apple pie recipe is a perfect example of simple, delicious food recipes that everyone can enjoy. It's a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals for the whole family. Enjoy this taste of home!