Apple pie

Apple Pie: A Simple and Delicious Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction

Apple pies are a classic dessert that evokes childhood memories, days spent at grandparents' houses, and the warm aroma of baked apples. This apple pie recipe is simple and quick, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a picnic with friends. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, and at the end, I will provide some delicious suggestions to customize the recipe.

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 400 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 50 ml sparkling water (or milk, for a richer dough)

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Gala)
- 200 g sugar (adjust the amount according to preferences, depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 50 g ground cinnamon (or less, if you prefer a milder flavor)

Practical Tips for Your Ingredients

- Margarine or butter? Margarine is a good choice for a flaky dough, but if you want a richer taste and more intense aroma, use butter. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation.
- Apples: Choose fresh, blemish-free apples, and if you want a tarter filling, combine sweet apples with some tart ones, such as Granny Smith.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Cinnamon: This is the ingredient that adds warmth and comfort. If you want to experiment, add a bit of nutmeg or ginger for an interesting flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Add the cubed margarine and start kneading with your fingers until you get a mixture similar to bread crumbs. This is the technique to achieve a flaky and airy dough.

2. Adding the water: Gradually pour in the sparkling water (or milk), continuing to knead until you obtain a smooth and workable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

4. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, peel the apples and grate them. In a pan, add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and release their juices. This step will intensify the apple flavor and make the filling more delicious.

5. Assembling the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Place the sheet in a floured baking dish.

6. Adding the filling: Pour the apple filling over the dough, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top. Use a fork to poke the dough in several places, allowing steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This will help the filling set. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

Possible Variations

- Apple pie with nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Apple pie with raisins: Incorporating raisins into the filling adds another level of sweetness and a note of diversity.
- Apple pie with vanilla: For a more sophisticated taste, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the apple filling.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making them excellent for heart health and the digestive system. Eating apples can help regulate blood sugar levels and increase feelings of fullness.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned apples for the filling? It is recommended to use fresh apples for a good texture, but if you don’t have any, canned apples are an alternative, just drain the excess juice.
- How do I store the pie? The pie stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, or in the refrigerator for a week.
- What drinks pair well with apple pie? An apple pie pairs perfectly with a warm herbal tea or a sweet wine. Also, a cup of warm apple cider is an excellent choice to enhance the flavors.

Personal Note

This apple pie reminds me of autumn evenings spent with family, when the aromas of cinnamon and baked apples intertwined with laughter and stories. I love to serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra delight. I encourage you to add a personal touch to your recipe, perhaps even a secret ingredient that makes it unique!

Enjoy every bite and let your imagination soar in the kitchen! This apple pie is not just a dessert, but also a way to create memories and bring a touch of joy to everyday life.