Who doesn’t love apple pie? It is one of the most widely consumed pies in North America especially around Thanksgiving. It is often served with whipped cream or ice cream on top or even cheddar cheese. It is the dessert of choice in my house. Every Sunday when I am going to the market, I will ask my family what dessert they would like me to make to go with Sunday dinner. 9 times out of 10 they will ask for apple pie. Truth be told, I love making apple pie, it brings back wonderful memories of Thanksgiving when I was a little girl helping my mom make her apple pie. Always reminds me of the comforts of home.

Here is what you will need:

For the pie crust:
Note: This recipe make one 9 inch pie crust. You will need to make two for this recipe

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbs. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup  (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 3 Tbs. ice cold water

For the filling:

• 6 large tart apples (I prefer granny smith)
• 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of corn starch
• 2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of cold butter cut into 6 pieces

Here is how to make it:

For the pie crust:

• In a  stand mixer, (or food processor fitted with the dough blade) fitted with the flat beater, stir together the flour, sugar and salt in the mixer bowl.
• Add the butter and toss  to coat with the flour mixture.
• On medium-low speed mix until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal.
• Add the water and mix on low speed just until the dough pulls together.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, pat into a ball and flatten into a disk.
• Lightly dust the top of the dough or the rolling pin with flour as needed, then roll out into a round  about 1/8 inch thick.
• Place dough into a prepared 9 inch pie plate.
• Repeat steps 1 through 6 and set pie top aside until ready to use.

For the filling:

• Peel and slice the apples 1/2 inch thick.
• Place sliced apples in a large bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice and toss.
• In a small bowl mix brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and add to the apples.
• Toss to coat the apples.
• Place apples in pie plate and dot with the butter.
• Position the second dough over the apples and using a knife trim any excess dough off.
• Crimp the edges to seal the doughs together.
• Use a small sharp knife and cut 4 slits in the top of the dough so steam can escape.
• Refrigerate the pie for 30 minutes.
• Place over rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat it to 350°.
• Bake pie for 50 minutes and then take it out of the oven.
• Mix together 1/4 cup of milk and 1 tbsp of sugar.
• Brush sugar and milk mixture on top of the pie crust.
• Place pie back in the oven and cook for 10 – 20 minutes longer until the crust is golden brown.
• Take the pie out and let cool slightly before serving.

I hope this recipe inspires you in your kitchen – enjoy!