Apple Pie

I didn't start liking apple pie until I started making my own and I did not start making apple pies until I moved to England where there is a plethora of apple trees, and as a result, a plethora of apples, which I don't like. But anything sweet, I love. 

This apple pie is so richly sweet and absolutely delicious. It is a tough one to execute with kids at your feet because it involves making a pie crust, which is absolutely easy but very messy. I'd recommend having a friend film you because it can get pretty hilarious. 

INGREDIENTS:

PIE CRUST:

2 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour

5 ounces, or 10 tablespoons (145 grams) unsalted butter

teaspoon of salt

Ice water

PIE FILLING

4 large apples

4 oz (115 grams) unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 oz (115 grams) confectioner's sugar (icing sugar) 

4 oz cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar (I use muscavado) 

teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (60ml) water

Ground cinnamon, to taste

How to: 

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) 

2. Make pie crust - cut the butter into small pieces. You need to keep them cool so put them back in the fridge. Combine the flour and salt into a large bowl and slowly add 1/3 of the the butter, and using your hands mix in the butter. Keep blending with your hands until you have added all of the butter. Use a tablespoon of ice water at a time, to work it into a nice piece of dough. Cut in half, and form each half into a disc. Wrap one disc in plastic wrap (clingfilm) and refrigerate. Roll out the other disc into a nice round shape and place at the bottom of your pie pan.

3. Peel, core, and cut the apples into small pieces. Wrap the apples pieces in plastic wrap and place in the fridge.

4. In a large saucepan melt butter completely then add the flour and stir well. Add all both sugars, salt & water and bring to a simmer. Stir for about 5 minutes then turn heat to low. 

5. Grab the pie tin (which at this point should be lined with the bottom crust) and toss in your apples. Try to mound them & sprinkle with cinnamon. 

6. Pour the pie filling over the apples. Try to make sure most apples are covered.

7. Roll out the top crust and place over the pie. I seal the top and bottom together with milk. Flute the edges either with your fingers or a fork. 

8. Cut steam slits into the top to look like a cross but they should NOT connect at the middle (OR THE PIE WILL CREATE A CAVE). 

9. Brush a bit of milk over the top & sprinkle with cinnamon and a superfine sugar if you like. 

10. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C, gas stove mark 4), and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes.

Tips - Apple pies are a bit gooey in the oven, so if there are any spills in the oven try & clean them as soon as pie is done & out. When rolling out the dough for the crust spread flour over your work surface.