American Apple Pie

American Apple Pie – A Treat for the Senses

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Introduction:
Apple pie is a classic dessert, cherished by many generations, evoking memories of family gatherings and warm moments spent with loved ones. With a crispy crust and a sweet-tart apple filling, this recipe blends tradition with authentic flavors, becoming a symbol of comfort. Preparing this pie is a satisfying experience, and the end result will turn any meal into a celebration.

Ingredients Needed:

*For the crust:*
- 500 g flour (preferably wheat flour)
- 350 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 150 ml cold water

*For the filling:*
- 6 large apples, peeled and diced (tart apples are best)
- 5 tablespoons white sugar
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 beaten egg with 2 tablespoons of cream (for brushing)

Making the Crust:
1. Start by preparing the crust. Place the flour in a large bowl or in a mixer bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and cold butter cubes.
2. Mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes sandy. It is important for the butter to remain in small pieces to achieve a flaky crust.
3. Add half of the cold water and continue mixing. Then, gradually add the rest of the water until the dough comes together. Avoid adding too much water, or the dough will become elastic.
4. Once the dough is formed, remove it from the bowl and shape it into a ball. Divide it into two parts, cut one-third of the dough, and wrap each part in plastic wrap.
5. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (I recommend leaving it for a whole day; this way, the flavors will intensify).

Making the Filling:
6. Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add the diced apples.
7. Add the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, flour, and melted butter. Mix well so that all the ingredients combine and the apples are evenly coated.

Assembling the Pie:
8. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
9. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and sprinkle flour on the work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the larger piece of dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a pie dish.
10. Carefully place the dough sheet in the dish, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Place the dish in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to firm up slightly.

Finalizing the Preparation:
11. After the dough has been in the refrigerator, remove the dish and evenly add the apple filling.
12. Roll out the second piece of dough and cut it into 2 cm wide strips. Lay the dough strips diagonally over the apple filling, forming a lattice pattern.
13. Gently press the edges of the dough strips to adhere them to the base of the pie. Using a brush, glaze all visible portions of the dough with the beaten egg mixed with cream – this step will give a beautiful golden color.

Baking:
14. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown.
15. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is essential to allow the filling to set.

Serving:
Apple pie can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. The flavors perfectly complement each other, turning each slice into an explosion of tastes.

Tips and Variations:
- You can add other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to enhance the flavor.
- Instead of white sugar, use honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- If you want to make a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- For a more elegant appearance, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the pie before serving.

Nutrition:
This pie contains approximately 300 calories per serving but also offers nutritional benefits due to the apples, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What type of apples are best for the pie?
- Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sugar.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?
- Yes, store-bought dough can be a quick option, but nothing compares to homemade dough!

3. How can I keep the pie fresh?
- Store the pie covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

This apple pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it is a way to bring family and friends together, create memories, and savor the simple moments of life. So, put on your apron and get cooking!