Apple Pie

I've never been much for making desserts -- I don't have the patience for all the measuring and precision that's necessary for baking.  But I've recently discovered the joys of making pies . .. especially because I can use pre-made crusts from the refrigerator section that really are just about as good as homemade.  And my family and friends have been enjoying the spoils!

So let's start with everyone's favorite-- a nice, home-made apple pie!!!

Buy store-bought crusts (Pillsbury makes really good ones, and I find that the store brands are really just as good too) and let them sit out at room temperature while you prep the pie so they unroll and lay in the dish without cracking or breaking.

You'll need 6-7 large apples.  The type of apple is up to you but it should be on that is really firm so that it doesn't turn into apple sauce while baking.  I also prefer apples that are somewhat tart.  Granny Smiths (the green ones) are probably the most popular choice, but my family likes Honeycrisps the best.

Peel and core the apples and cut into fairly thin slices.  Check out my recipe for Apple Tea so those peels and cores don't go to waste -- http://judyfoodislove.blogspot.com/2018/10/apple-tea.html. 

Put them all in a bowl and add:

• the juice of 1/2 lemon (keeps the apples from turning brown)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 heaping tablespoon of flour
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.  
• As an option, you can also add a pinch of ground cloves and/or nutmeg

Mix this well and let it sit for 30 minutes so the applies release some of their moisture.  This will make sure you don't have a soggy and mushy pie.

Lay one of your crusts over your pie plate and once the applies have macerated for 30 minutes, drain the excess liquid and place the mixture over the crust.  Cover with another crust and crimp the two crusts together to form a seal.

Cut some slits in the crust to let steam escape and if you'd like, you can cut a little design in the middle such as a heart.

Beat one egg and lightly brush the top crust with the egg so that it browns up nicely.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour.   It's a good idea to put your dish either on a baking tray or some aluminum foil just in case some of the juices bubble up and over the sides.

Hope you love it and find this as easy to make as I do!