Today is National Pie Day; what a sweet way to end the week! There are few things better than homemade pie, with its alluring smells and delightful taste. However, pies can be time consuming and often difficult. The crust alone can make you give up on the whole affair or run to the store for a frozen substitute. Not the case with this recipe! Instead of braving the cold for a frozen, pre-made crust, or simply burning a pie-scented candle, you can now make your very own, no-hassle pie.
Let’s start with the crust. This recipe can be used with any pie you desire (blueberry, apple, peach, etc.). It makes enough for two crusts, a top and bottom, so if you desire an open-face pie (such as pumpkin) merely divide the ingredient portions in half.
Crust Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cold water
Directions:
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter with a pastry blender, or fork. The butter should be cut down into pea-sized pieces.
- Add water a little at a time for the dough to hold together. It shouldn’t be runny or too dry; just enough for the ingredients to stick. Mix with spoon or your hands to combine.
- Split dough into two even balls.
- Wrap the dough separately in plastic wrap and put in your fridge for one hour.
- After the hour, roll out the dough onto a clean, flour-dusted surface. Roll into a circle of 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with second ball.
- Follow the directions for your favorite pie recipe on baking temperature and time.
Speaking of favorite pie recipe, the following example could be your new favorite! In honor of National Pie Day, it is a recipe for apple, America’s favorite. It is sweet, delicious and simple to create.
Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of peeled, thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Gala and Macintosh are good choices. You could also do a combination of your favorite kinds.)
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 Tablespoons of flour
- 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 4 Tablespoons of butter, cut into pats
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
- Press one crust from the above recipe into a pie dish.
- Fill the crust with apples. It should be heaped full (don’t worry, the apples compress when baking).
- Mix together the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Shake on top of apples.
- Scatter pats of butter around the apples.
- Top with second crust. Press edges of the two crusts together. You can pinch them into a pretty pattern, if you wish, or use a fork. As long as the edges seal in the apple-goodness, it’s your call.
- Cut slits into the top crust, to let out steam while baking.
- Optional: Mix additional cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the crust for added sweetness.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.
For best flavor, allow the pie to cool for several minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious treat on this holiday, any other holiday, or just because!
