11.07.2016

Make a Spiced Apple Pie

I went apple picking for the first time a couple weeks ago and BOY did we hit the motherload of glorious (and giant) Granny Smith Apples. 
Make a Spiced Apple Pie for Fall


 We were surprised when we arrived at the farm because the trees looked so young -- not the scraggly branched trees with ladders and bushels of apples. Nevertheless we found no shortage of crisp delicious apples that inspired me to do some holiday baking! Coincidently the next week we heard a compelling story on NPR about how orchards are now trellising apple trees to increase the yield per acre--explaining our bizarre skinny tree orchard experience. Because this is my FIRST PIE I decided to go all-out on the experiment (full on Waitress mode) and make up a recipe with a little more heat. Little did I know pie baking is super easy and I can't wait to make another! Scroll down and give my Spiced Apple Pie recipe a try! 

Make a Spiced Apple Pie for Fall

Spiced Apple Pie Filling 

8-10 Large Granny Smith Apples peeled, cored and sliced
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup Maple Syrup 
1/2 Sugar
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Flour
1 Tbsp Bourbon

Tip: After lots of research I discovered bakers are sometimes disappointed with how their pies turn out because the apples shrink while the pie is cooking -- meaning your filling might sink and break your perfectly latticed crust. You can easily avoid this by simmering your pie filling prior to baking in the oven to keep your pie-crust artistry from crumbling.

I buttered and floured my cast iron skillet before adding in the base pie crust, added the pie filling and arranged the decorative crust on top. I cooked the pie at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes before reducing the heat to 350 degrees and covering with a piece of tin foil to keep the crust from burning. I cooked the pie for about an hour longer, brushing on melted butter about every 30 minutes (It's the first, I had to baby it).

I used Martha Stewart's classic pie crust (doubled the recipe) and I think it turned out great. I used cookie cutters to create a decorative floral crust. This is my first attempt at a pie and I don't think it turned out too shabby! Next time I think I will triple the recipe so that my crust fills my cast iron a little better...
Make a Spiced Apple Pie for Fall

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or with a hot cup of coffee. Have a secret ingredient that makes a killer apple pie?! Share a link to your recipe below! 

xo Lindsey Crafter

Make a Spiced Apple Pie for Fall



Post a Comment

Latest Instagrams

© LINDSEY CRAFTER . Design by Fearne.