Apple Pie with Bells

Apple Pie with Bells: A Heartfelt, Simple, and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to my kitchen! Today we will prepare an apple pie, a dessert that reminds us of childhood and the warmth of home. This simple yet refined recipe combines the sweet-sour aroma of apples with a flaky crust, and the bell-shaped decoration adds a touch of magic. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 200 g unsalted butter or margarine (recommended: Rama)
- 400 g flour
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (2 for the dough and 2 for the filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 1 teaspoon for the filling)
- A splash of vanilla extract

For the filling:
- 200 g grated apples (preferably tart apples for a balanced taste)
- 2 bars of dark chocolate (about 100 g, for decoration)
- Caramel syrup (for decoration)
- Vanilla powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dough. Make sure the butter or margarine is at room temperature for easier incorporation.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are uniform.
3. Add the diced butter and the egg. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.
4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
5. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is important as it will help the dough become flakier and easier to handle.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is resting, you can prepare the apple filling. Grate the apples using a large grater. If you have juicier apples, I recommend draining them a bit to avoid a too-wet filling.
2. In a pan, add the grated apples, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sauté them over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly. This step will enhance the apple flavor and give them a more pleasant texture.
3. Once the apples have cooled, add the vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. On a floured work surface, roll out the chilled dough with a rolling pin until you have a thin sheet about 1 cm thick. Do this carefully to avoid tearing the dough.
3. Place the sheet of dough in a round tart pan with fluted edges (about 26 cm in diameter), making sure it fits well on the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
4. Fill the base of the dough with the cooled apple mixture, distributing it evenly.
5. Roll out a second sheet of dough and place it over the apples. Use a knife or a special tool to create wavy lines on the surface of the pie. This detail not only looks good but also allows steam to escape during baking.
6. From the remaining dough, you can create a small bell or other decorative shapes to place on top of the pie. Use scissors to decorate the edges. This is your moment of creativity!

Step 4: Baking

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until it is golden and beautifully browned on top. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.
2. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Decorating

1. Sift the vanilla powdered sugar over the pie for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler and, using a paper cone or a spoon, create small dots around the edge of the pie. These details will add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
3. Use the caramel syrup to make swirls around the edge of the pie. This step not only looks good but will also add a flavor note.

Serving and variations

The apple pie with bells can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This is a perfect combination that will make any meal special.

For a personal touch, you can experiment with different types of apples or even add chopped nuts to the filling for an extra crunch. Also, instead of dark chocolate, you can use white chocolate or skip the chocolate decoration altogether and focus on the caramel syrup.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can replace apples with pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary.

2. How can I make the dough faster?
If you're in a hurry, you can opt for store-bought dough. This will significantly reduce preparation time.

3. How do I store the pie?
The pie keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crunchy texture.

4. What drinks pair well with the pie?
A mint tea or a sweet wine can pair perfectly with the apple pie.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen! Enjoy!