How to Make Apple Pie From Scratch

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the apples)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter:
   Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add Ice Water:
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them in a large bowl.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   Add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the apples. Toss well to coat the apple slices evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. Fill the Pie:
   Pour the apple filling into the crust, making sure to distribute it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
4. Top the Pie:
   Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Egg Wash:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush this mixture over the top crust to give it a golden finish when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Pie:
   Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
2. Cool:
   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.

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