ADVERTISEMENT
### **Step 1: Making the Pie Crust**
The key to a perfect apple pie is a flaky, buttery crust. Grandma always said the crust was just as important as the filling, and after many attempts, I’ve learned the secret to her perfect pie crust.
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir gently to blend the ingredients together.
2. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. If you’re using a food processor, pulse the mixture a few times until it reaches this consistency.
3. **Add Ice Water**: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently stir. Be careful not to overwork the dough. You just want to bring it together until it forms a dough.
4. **Chill the Dough**: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten in the dough to relax, ensuring a tender crust.
### **Step 2: Preparing the Filling**
The filling is where the magic happens—the combination of tart apples, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices creates the perfect balance of flavors.
1. **Peel and Slice the Apples**: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, uniform slices. This ensures that the apples cook evenly. Grandma always used a mix of tart and sweet apples, so I recommend using Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
2. **Toss the Apples with Lemon Juice**: Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with lemon juice. The lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also enhances the flavors.
3. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
4. **Toss the Apples with the Sugar Mixture**: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples and toss to coat them evenly. The flour in the mixture helps thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake, creating a luscious filling.
5. **Dot with Butter**: Transfer the apple filling to the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and flavor.
### **Step 3: Assembling the Pie**
1. **Roll Out the Dough**: Take one disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch.
2. **Place the Bottom Crust**: Gently place the rolled-out dough into the bottom of the pie dish. Press the edges lightly to fit the dough into the dish, and trim any excess dough around the edges.
3. **Add the Filling**: Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4. **Roll Out the Top Crust**: Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the top of the pie. You can either make a full crust or cut the dough into strips to create a lattice top. If you’re using a full top crust, make sure to cut a few slits in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. **Seal the Edges**: Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together and crimp them with your fingers or a fork to seal the pie.
6. **Brush with Milk**: Brush the top of the pie with a little milk to give it a golden, shiny finish when it bakes.
### **Step 4: Baking the Pie**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the crust become golden and crispy.
2. **Bake the Pie**: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the crust—if it’s browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. **Cool the Pie**: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny when you cut into it.
### **Step 5: Serving and Enjoying**
There’s nothing better than a warm slice of homemade apple pie, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The crust is buttery and flaky, the apples are tender and perfectly spiced, and the aroma that fills the room is enough to make anyone feel at home.
Serve it at family gatherings, special occasions, or simply on a cozy afternoon when you need a little comfort. No matter when you make it, this apple pie is sure to bring joy, warmth, and a sense of tradition to your home.
### **Conclusion: A Legacy of Love**
Grandma’s apple pie is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of the love, care, and tradition that have been passed down through generations. The smell of apples baking in the oven has the power to transport us to a simpler time, to memories of family gatherings, and to the warmth of home. It’s a recipe that brings people together, creating new memories while honoring old ones.
As I bake this pie in my own kitchen, I can almost feel my grandmother’s presence, guiding me through each step, just as she did when I was a child. And as I share it with my loved ones, I know that I’m passing down something truly special—a recipe that will live on in our hearts and kitchens for years to come. So, the next time you smell the sweet scent of apples baking, take a moment to savor it and think about the tradition that has made this apple pie a timeless favorite in so many homes.
