Apple Pie

 

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 2½ cups

• Cold butter: 1 cup (cut into small cubes)

• Salt: ½ teaspoon

• Ice-cold water: 6–8 tablespoons

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples: 6 medium-sized (peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)

• Brown sugar: ½ cup (adjust to taste)

• Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons

• Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon

• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (optional)

• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (for thickening)

• Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra richness)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or your fingers to crumble it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the apples release their juices.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Place it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim excess dough.
4. Add the prepared apple filling, spreading it evenly. Dot with small pieces of butter (optional).
5. Roll out the second portion of dough for the top crust. You can:
   • Place it as a full crust (make slits for steam to escape).
   • Create a lattice design by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the apples.
6. Seal the edges by crimping them with a fork or your fingers. Brush the top crust with milk or an egg wash for a golden finish.

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Step 4: Bake the Pie:

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

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Step 5: Cool and Serve:

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set.
2. Slice and serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Tips for Success:

• Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter in Crust: Keep it cold to achieve a flaky crust.
• Prevent Sogginess: Sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs or ground almonds on the crust before adding the apples.

From chatgpt