Quick Apple Pie

Quick apple pie is a dessert that combines tradition with simplicity, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy in every slice. It is an ideal choice for moments when you want to impress without spending hours in front of the stove. This recipe is easy to prepare, and the result is delicious: a crispy crust, a sweet-sour apple filling, and a hint of cinnamon that invites you to savor every bite. Let's start our adventure in the world of pies!

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

Ingredients:
- 400 g store-bought puff pastry (for better taste, choose one with a high butter content)
- 4 apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 30 g semolina (this helps absorb the juices released by the apples)
- Cinnamon (to taste, but I recommend at least 1 teaspoon)

Short history:
Apple pies have a rich history, being a popular dessert in various cultures over time. They often symbolize family traditions and moments of celebration. The use of store-bought puff pastry became popular in the 20th century, making pie preparation more accessible without sacrificing taste.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples well. Cut them into cubes, removing the seeds. It is important to use fresh apples, as they will provide a more intense flavor to the pie. If you prefer, you can peel them, but this will add an interesting texture to the pie.

2. Sweetening the apples: Place the chopped apples in a saucepan over low heat, adding the 5 tablespoons of sugar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let them soften for about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential as it will enhance the flavor of the apples and create a natural syrup.

3. Preparing the puff pastry: Roll out the store-bought puff pastry on a clean surface. Choose a baking tray that fits the size of your pastry. Use a tray with edges to prevent the filling from spilling. If the pastry is too sticky, you can lightly dust it with flour.

4. Arranging the first layer: Place the first sheet of puff pastry in the tray, ensuring that the edges rise slightly over the sides of the tray. This will help keep the filling inside.

5. Adding the semolina: Sprinkle the semolina evenly over the first sheet. This will absorb the apple juices, preventing a soggy crust.

6. Filling with apples: Place the sautéed apples over the semolina, spreading them evenly. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top of the apples, giving them a comforting aromatic flavor.

7. Covering the pie: Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling. You can make a few cross cuts on the surface of the sheet to allow steam to escape during baking, which will help achieve a crispy crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

9. Cooling and serving: After the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. A personal suggestion is to drizzle the syrup left from the sautéed apples over the slices before serving, adding extra moisture and flavor.

Useful tips:
- Variations of ingredients: You can also add other ingredients such as nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger.
- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee will complement the dessert perfectly.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of pie contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples are rich in vitamins and fiber, playing an important role in maintaining digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the apples with pears or peaches, adjusting the sugar amounts according to the sweetness of the fruits.
- How can I store leftovers? The pie can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking, ensuring it is well wrapped. When you are ready to bake it, let it thaw at room temperature and then bake according to the instructions.

In conclusion, quick apple pie is not just a simple dessert, but also an excellent way to bring a touch of happiness into everyday life. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family, as the joy of cooking and savoring together is the sweetest ingredient! Enjoy!