Apple Pie

Ever since the weather has cooled down, I have been itching to bake.  Having a newborn and a toddler has made this a little more difficult, but today was the day.  I was determined to make it happen.  P went down for her nap, so I decided to take full advantage of the time and get myself back in the kitchen.  Lucy started fussing as soon as I started making the pie, but I wasn't going to let that stop me.  I busted out my Ergo baby carrier and she fell asleep instantly on my chest.  I had never cooked with a baby on me, but it was rather relaxing.  

My friend/cousin Angie gave me the recipe for this pie a couple years ago.  I remember trying it for the first time and falling in love.  The crust was flaky and the filling had the perfect amount of sugar to cinnamon ratio.  It also doesn't hurt that it's a pretty simple recipe.  I am usually intimidated by pie, but this one is a great beginner recipe.  The dough is also very easy to work with and I usually have all the ingredients.

Apple Pie Recipe

Filling

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 large green apples

2-3 Tbs. butter (I use 3)

Perfect Pie Crust

2 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 cup shortening (I use the butter flavored Cristco sticks)

1/4 cup ice water

* I use the Marie Calendars pie tin when I make this pie.  It is the perfect size and cooks the crust perfectly. 

 Mix flour and salt together.

 Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until crumbly.  Stir in ice water with a fork until dough holds together.

 Firm into two round balls.  Use one for the top and one for the bottom.

Place crust in fridge while you make the filling.

 Slice apples into thin slices.

 Mix sugar, cinnamon, and apples together.

 Pour into pie shell.

 Dot with butter.

 Top the pie with extra dough.

 Place slits in the top of pie.

 Bake at 450 degrees for 50 minutes (mine baked in 40 minutes) or until crust turns golden brown.

* To prevent crust from browning, like mine (oops, mom brain) cover with tin foil before placing in the oven.

Make sure to let pie cool before digging in.  Get yourself out a bowl, place a warm slice of pie in it and fill it with your favorite vanilla ice cream (mine is from Costco.

HAPPY FALL!!!!! 

If both of my girls happen to sleep at the same time again, I will be sure to post more of my favorite fall recipes.  In the mean time HERE is my FAVORITE apple crisp recipe.