Apple pie

Apple Pie – a classic recipe, rich in flavor and taste, that brings a touch of nostalgia to every slice. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a memory of beautiful moments spent with family around the table, enjoying delights made with love. Whether you serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea, this apple pie will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients
For the crust:
- 260 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 170 g butter (preferably at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably sweet and aromatic)
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon flour

Preparing the crust
1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed so that the sugar doesn’t clump.

2. Adding the butter: Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture and, using your fingers or a pastry blender, mix until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.

3. Incorporating the egg yolks: Beat the two egg yolks with the 3 tablespoons of cold water to combine. Add this mixture to the bowl with flour and butter and knead everything with your hands until the dough is smooth. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for a light and crispy texture.

Preparing the filling
4. Preparing the apples: Meanwhile, peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. This will allow the apples to cook evenly and integrate perfectly into the pie.

5. Caramelizing the apples: In a pan, add the sugar and let it caramelize slightly. Once it turns golden, extinguish it with the 100 ml of water. Then, add the chopped apples and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften but do not turn to mush. This step will enhance the flavor of the apples.

6. Finalizing the filling: Once the apples are softened, add the cinnamon and the 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let the filling cool slightly.

Assembling the pie
7. Shaping the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and wait 10 minutes before rolling it out. Divide the dough into three equal parts: two parts for the base and sides of the pie, and one part for the strips on top.

8. Forming the base: Using a rolling pin, roll out the first part of the dough into a disc about 27 cm in diameter. Place it in a round baking pan (about 22 cm) so that it covers the sides as well. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

9. Filling with apples: Pour the cooled apple filling into the dough base, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

10. Creating the dough strips: Using the remaining dough, roll out another sheet and cut it into thin strips. Lay the strips over the apples, forming an attractive lattice that will allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking
11. Brushing the dough strips: Beat an egg white with a tablespoon of water and use a brush to glaze the dough strips. This will help achieve a beautiful golden color during baking.

12. Baking the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pie in the oven. Let it bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Serving and variations
Once the pie is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This apple pie is also perfect for a festive meal or a summer picnic, bringing a touch of sweetness to special moments.

Chef’s tip
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can experiment with adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a splash of lemon juice to the apple filling. Additionally, for a crunchier texture, you can replace some of the flour with ground almonds.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Moreover, the butter in the crust provides healthy fats, and while the sugar is used in moderation, it adds the necessary sweetness to this dessert.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! You can try pears, peaches, or even berries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I keep the pie fresh longer?
The apple pie keeps best in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. You can consume it within 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to make the pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

This apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Enjoy every moment of the cooking process and savor the final result!