Pioneering apple pies for women

Directions

1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated.
3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Innovative Apple Pie Variations

For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, here are a few modern twists on the classic apple pie:

Caramel Apple Pie

Add a layer of caramel sauce to the filling for a rich, decadent treat. Drizzle additional caramel over the top before serving.

Apple Cranberry Pie

Incorporate fresh or dried cranberries into the filling for a tart contrast to the sweet apples. This variation is perfect for the holiday season.

Spiced Chai Apple Pie

Infuse the filling with chai spices like cardamom, cloves, and ginger for a warming, aromatic pie. Pair it with a cup of chai tea for a cozy dessert experience.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Tips and Shortcuts

• Pre-made Crust: Save time by using a store-bought pie crust. Look for high-quality, all-butter varieties.
• Apple Peeler: Invest in an apple peeler/corer/slicer to speed up the prep process.
• Thickener: For a less runny filling, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the apple mixture.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.