Tender pie with pears and apples

Tender Pear and Apple Pie: The Delight of Autumn

When it comes to autumn, the aroma of fresh apples and pears blends irresistibly, and a tender pie with these fruits is truly a feast for the senses. This pear and apple pie recipe is simple, yet the result is a spectacular dessert, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

- For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 230 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg and 1 yolk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one orange (for extra flavor)

- For the filling:
- 12 pears (you can mix two or more varieties for diversity)
- 10 apples (the Ionatan variety is recommended for sweetness)
- 150 g brown sugar
- Cinnamon (to taste)

- For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (to sprinkle on top)
- A piece of butter to grease the pan

Necessary Utensils
- Ring pan (38x27 cm)
- Large grater
- Cling film
- Strainer
- Parchment paper
- Fork (to prick the dough)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a creamy consistency.
2. Add the egg, yolk, vanilla sugar, and grated orange zest. Continue mixing until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It will be slightly sticky, but don't worry, it's perfect!
4. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will give it a tender texture.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Meanwhile, wash the pears and apples well. If you prefer, you can use the peel to benefit from the vitamins in the fruit.
2. Grate the pears using a large grater and place them in a strainer to let the excess juice drain. You can do the same with the apples.
3. In a bowl, mix the drained pears and apples with brown sugar and a little cinnamon. Make sure the fruit is well coated with sugar and spices.

Step 3: Assembling the pie
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts.
3. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the first part of the dough until it reaches the size of the pan. Using parchment paper will make it easier to transfer the dough to the pan.
4. Grease the pan with a little butter and place the first sheet of dough in the pan. Make sure it is evenly spread on the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the apple and pear filling, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
6. Roll out the second sheet of dough on the parchment paper, then carefully flip it over the filling. Make sure it is evenly placed.
7. Meanwhile, prick the surface of the pie several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Baking
1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 55 minutes, or until it becomes golden and nicely browned on top.
2. Let the pie cool for 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, you can prepare a tea or coffee, which will pair perfectly with this dessert.

Step 5: Serving
1. Use a knife to help detach the pie from the edges of the pan.
2. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cooled pie for an elegant look.
3. Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream, for a delicious contrast.

Useful Tips
- Variations of the filling: You can also add nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture, or a little rum for a more intense flavor.
- Pears and apples: Choose ripe but firm fruit to avoid a filling that is too soft.
- Sugar: If you want a more intense flavor, you can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or molasses.

Nutritional Benefits
This pie is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, thanks to the fresh fruit. Apples and pears contain antioxidants that contribute to immune system health.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Plums or peaches are excellent options to diversify the filling.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat it slightly before serving to regain its aroma.

Ideal Combinations
This pie pairs perfectly with a cup of apple tea or a sweet wine. Also, vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream are ideal accompaniments.

The tender pear and apple pie is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors, a way to bring a touch of joy to every meal. So, get ready to indulge and enjoy every slice!