Apple pie

Apple Pie - A Flavorful Family Recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm, fragrant apple pie? This apple pie recipe, passed down from my mother from Ms. Lenuta, is not just a dessert but a sweet memory from childhood, filled with warmth and love. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for both festive gatherings and everyday indulgence. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this wonderful treat!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 9 tablespoons sugar
- 9 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 9 tablespoons milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flour, as needed (approximately 500g, but adjust according to the dough consistency)

For the filling:
- 3 kg apples (preferably tart apples)
- 10 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Semolina, for sprinkling on the bottom layer
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the filling
1. Wash the apples: Choose fresh, well-ripened apples and wash them under cold water. Do not peel them, as the skin will add texture and nutrients to the pie.
2. Grate the apples: Remove the core and, using a large grater, grate the apples. You will get a fine mixture that will fill the pie with flavor.
3. Cook the apples: Place the grated apples in a pot over medium heat, adding the sugar. Let it simmer until the mixture becomes soft and the juice evaporates (about 10-15 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Seasoning: Once the apples are cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool. After it has cooled, add the cinnamon and vanilla sugar. These spices will add a warm and comforting flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the egg, salt, sugar, oil, and milk. Using a wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients well until combined.
2. Add the flour: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Start gradually adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, kneading with your hands until you get an elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands. You may need to adjust the amount of flour.
3. Divide the dough: Split the dough into two equal parts. Use extra flour to roll out two sheets the size of the baking tray (30 cm x 40 cm).

Step 3: Assemble the pie
1. Prepare the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the tray with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. First sheet: Place the first sheet in the tray and sprinkle a little semolina on the bottom. This will absorb moisture from the filling.
3. Add the filling: Pour the apple filling, leveling it evenly.
4. Second sheet: Cover with the second sheet, which you will prick in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Brush the pie: Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush it evenly over the pie for a golden, shiny crust.

Step 4: Baking
1. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
2. Cooling: After baking, let the pie cool in the tray for 15 minutes before slicing. This will help stabilize the filling.

Serving
Serve the warm apple pie, dusted with powdered sugar on top for a special touch. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delicious contrast. This combination will turn the dessert into an unforgettable experience!

Ingredient variations
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts to the filling for extra crunch and rich flavor.
- Dried fruits: You can incorporate raisins or dried apricots into the filling for a sweet note and interesting texture.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor by adding a bit of nutmeg or ground ginger.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, making this pie a healthier choice compared to other desserts. The oil and eggs provide healthy fats and proteins, contributing to a balanced dessert.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use any type of apples, but tart ones provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.

2. How can I store the pie?
Keep the pie covered at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

3. Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen! Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

This apple pie is not just a dessert; it’s a piece of the heart of a family tradition. Savor every bite and let yourself be carried away by memories, just like mom did. A simple and delicious recipe that will bring smiles to every table!