Would You Like An Apple Pie With That
The History of Apple Pie
Apple pie, an all-time favorite dessert, has been around for centuries. The first recorded recipe for apple pie dates back to 1381 in a cookbook written by the master cooks of King Richard II of England. The recipe called for apples, spices, figs, raisins, and pears baked in a pastry crust. The apple pie we know and love today became popular in the United States during the 18th century, where it quickly became a staple dessert for Thanksgiving and other holidays.
The Perfect Apple Pie Recipe
There are many variations of apple pie, but the perfect apple pie recipe should have a flaky, buttery crust and a filling that is not too sweet or too tart. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup ice water
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination of both)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the excess dough from the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and dot with the small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disk and use a knife or a pastry cutter to cut it into strips. Arrange the strips on top of the filling in a lattice pattern.
- Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Apple Pie With Ice Cream
Apple pie is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced apples in the pie. It's a classic dessert combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Health Benefits of Apples
Apples, the main ingredient in apple pie, are packed with nutrients and health benefits. They are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels. Apples also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Eating apples regularly may also help improve brain function and reduce the risk of diabetes.
The Bottom Line
Apple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its flaky crust and spiced apple filling, it's no wonder it has become a staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners. Whether you prefer your apple pie with ice cream or on its own, there's no denying the deliciousness of this timeless dessert.
