Classic Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but it can be tricky to get it just right. The crust needs to be flaky and golden brown, and the filling needs to be sweet and tart. With a little practice, you can make a delicious apple pie that will be the hit of any potluck or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 apples)

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. To make the crust, whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and stir until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. To make the filling, combine the apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Toss to coat.

3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust.

5. Roll out the remaining dough into a 10-inch circle. Use a fluted pastry cutter to cut decorative edges around the circle. Place the top crust over the filling and crimp the edges of the two crusts together. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

7. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Tips

• For a flakier crust, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• To prevent the crust from shrinking, line the pie plate with parchment paper before adding the dough.

• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

• Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations

• For a more tart pie, use Granny Smith apples.

• For a sweeter pie, use Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples.

• Add other fruits to the filling, such as pears, peaches, or berries.

• Sprinkle the top crust with sugar before baking for a golden brown crust.

Conclusion

Classic apple pie is a delicious and easy dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you can make a pie that will be the hit of any potluck or holiday gathering.