Apple Pie

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker filling)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Directions

Make the Pie Crust:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

4. Form Dough Discs: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Apple Filling:

1. Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.

2. Add Thickener: Sprinkle the flour (and cornstarch if using) over the apple mixture and toss to combine.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Transfer the dough to the pie dish.

3. Add Filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.

4. Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

Bake the Pie:

1. Initial Bake: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.

2. Reduce Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.

Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!