Cecile’s Apple Pie

I’ve never once eaten a slice of bad apple pie.  I think, like an ugly baby, bad apples pies are “few and far between”. I’ve been told that my apple pies are very delicious – I hope you think so!

Following an old recipe, I add dabs of butter on top of the apple/flour/sugar mixture before putting on the top crust. Maybe that’s why people like this pie so much. Or – maybe it’s that I’ve finally found the right balance of nutmeg versus cinnamon??  In any event, I look forward to your suggestions and comments, as always!

Follow link to see this ‘Quick and Easy One Crust Apple Pie with Maple Whipped Cream. (This cute little scarecrow makes another appearance – three years later!)

                                                                  INGREDIENTS

Oven at 425(F)     Bake for 45 – 50 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. You might want to place a cookie sheet – or a piece of foil – on the rack below the pie, in case it bubbles over

• 6 cups sliced apples – peeled and cored, or course!
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 “pinches” nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4 TBS. flour (yes – tablespoons!!)
• 2 TBS. butter – to be cut up and dropped on top of apple/sugar mixture
• 2 crusts – either purchased or homemade
• 1 egg, beaten

In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and flour.

Put the 1st crust into the pie plate. Fill with the apple/sugar mixture. (Some people like to mound the apple/sugar mixture higher in the middle but I don’t. I prefer it evenly spread out.) With a sharp knife, cut a few slashes into the crust to help steam escape.

Cut your butter into small pieces and dot on top of the apple/sugar mixture. (I just hold it in my hand and cut off a piece at a time – otherwise the cut-up butter sticks together.)

Place the 2nd crust over the butter/apple mixture, crimping edges to seal.

++  Here’s a video which shows you how to ‘crimp’ a pie crust.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJRY1vdCMkQ

++  If you’re feeling really creative – here’s a video showing how to make ‘fancy’ crimps!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcQGja6jpbE

Now for the “egg wash”. Take the beaten egg and with your fingers (my favorite) or a pastry brush, spread some of the beaten egg on the top crust. (You don’t have to do this, but it does give the crust a nice sheen and golden color.)

Bake at 425F for about 45 – 50 minutes, until the crust is golden, and the apples are fully cooked. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  Enjoy!!