Grandma’s Famous Apple Pie Recipe

Grandma’s Famous Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• Pie Crust:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• Apple Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Make the Pie Crust:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
   • Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
   • Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out one disk of the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, leaving a slight overhang.
   • Pour the apple filling into the crust, distributing the apples evenly. Dot the top with pieces of butter.
   • Roll out the second disk of dough and either place it as a full top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice design. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush this egg wash over the top crust.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
   • Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Importance of Each Ingredient:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the crust and thickens the filling.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust, balancing the sweetness of the filling.
• Sugar (Granulated and Brown): Adds sweetness; brown sugar also brings a hint of caramel.
• Butter: Essential for a flaky, tender crust; its cold temperature creates layers.
• Ice Water: Moistens the dough without warming it, ensuring a crisp crust.
• Apples: The heart of the pie, their tartness balances the sweetness and provides texture.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that enhance the apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent apples from browning.
• Egg Wash: Creates a beautiful golden-brown crust for an appetizing look.

Each ingredient works together to create the traditional taste, texture, and appearance that make grandma’s apple pie a timeless favorite. Enjoy!