Simple Apple Pie – A Delicious Autumn Delight

In a world that seems to spin faster with each passing day, there's something undeniably charming about slowing down, stepping back, and savoring the simple joys of life. For many, this means spending some time at home baking and making memories. And in September the only thing better than apple picking is the apple pie that follows.

The Orchard's Bounty: Picking Your Apples

The most important ingredient of apple pie is, of course, fresh apples. If you're fortunate enough to live near an orchard, you can make a memorable day of apple picking with family and friends. Choose a variety of apples for your pie, blending the tartness of Granny Smiths with the sweetness of Honeycrisps or Galas. Remember, the best pies are made from a mix of both tart and sweet apples!

The Rustic Charm of a Flaky Crust

A classic apple pie starts with a buttery, flaky crust that cradles the luscious apple filling. To make the crust, you'll need:

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

6-8 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Filling the Pie with Orchard Magic

Now that your dough is chilling in the fridge, it's time to prepare the filling.

Ingredients:

6-8 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)

1 egg (beaten, for brushing)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are coated evenly.

Roll out one of the chilled dough discs into a 12-inch circle and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.

Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with butter pieces.

Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Optionally, brush the top crust with beaten egg and put some foil around the edge to deter it from getting a bit too golden brown.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Allow the pie to cool before serving. It's best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

As you savor your slice of delicious apple pie, you'll find that the old-fashioned country way of life has a unique ability to slow time and bring warmth to your soul. So, why not step off the fast track for a while, embrace the simple pleasures, and bake up a taste of tradition with this easy apple pie recipe? Your heart and taste buds will thank you.

Happy Baking and Memory Making!