Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is an iconic dessert in American cuisine, and it holds a special place in the heart of the Midwest region of the United States. It's a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the bounty of the fall harvest. Here's a detailed recipe for making classic apple pie:

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. To make the pie crust, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
7. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
8. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
9. Optional: Brush the top crust with milk or egg wash for a golden finish.
10. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
12. Serve slices of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it's a cherished tradition that brings families together and evokes memories of cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations in the Midwest. With its tender, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, apple pie is a timeless classic that's sure to delight taste buds and warm hearts with every bite.