Apple pie

Mom's Apple Pie – A Classic and Comforting Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Introduction
Apple pie is a dessert that reminds us of childhood, of the days spent in mom's warm kitchen. It is a simple recipe but full of flavor, combining the delicate texture of the dough with the sweet-sour filling of apples. Additionally, it is an excellent way to use seasonal apples. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and if you want to add a personal touch, you can include nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 17 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (dissolved with vinegar or lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- Milk or cream, as needed (approximately 150 ml)

For the filling:
- About 10-15 apples (preferably tart apples, such as green apples)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Semolina, for the layer (approximately 100 g)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by rubbing the lard with the flour in a large bowl until you achieve a consistency like wet sand. This step is essential for obtaining a tender dough that melts in your mouth. Add the egg yolks, sugar, salt, and dissolved baking soda. Mix the ingredients well until they are combined.

Step 2: Adding milk or cream
Add the milk or cream gradually, mixing continuously until you obtain an elastic, but not sticky, dough. It should be easy to shape, so do not add too much liquid. A good technique is to start with 100 ml and add gradually as needed.

Step 3: Flattening the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first sheet to fit the baking dish you are using, which you have greased with oil and dusted with flour. Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out, with a thickness of about 0.5 cm. After rolling out the sheet, use a fork to make small punctures all over the surface to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Step 4: Preparing the apple filling
Peel the apples and grate them. Mix them with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. It is important to squeeze the apples well to remove excess juice, so the pie does not become too wet. Place the apples on the first sheet of dough, leveling them evenly, then sprinkle a thin layer of semolina over the filling. The semolina will absorb moisture and help maintain the texture of the pie.

Step 5: Adding the second sheet of dough
Roll out the second sheet just like the first and place it over the filling. Don't forget to poke it here and there with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent puffing and ensure even baking.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 40-50 minutes, or until it turns golden and nicely browned. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 7: Serving
Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly, then you can cut it into servings. If you wish, you can dust it with powdered sugar mixed with vanilla sugar for an elegant appearance. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Useful tips:
- For an extra flavor, you can also add some chopped nuts or almonds to the apple filling.
- If you prefer a stronger taste, replace regular sugar with brown sugar.
- Instead of cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg or ginger to diversify the flavor.

Nutritional benefits
This apple pie is a good source of fiber due to the apples, which contribute to healthy digestion. Additionally, apples are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The lard used in the dough brings healthy fats into the diet, but for a lighter version, you can use butter or coconut oil.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! Peaches, plums, or even berries can be used to create delicious variations of this recipe.
- How can I store the pie?
Keep the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, making sure to wrap it well.

Delicious combinations
This apple pie pairs perfectly with a warm caramel or chocolate sauce. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream will make the pie even more delicious. A cup of green tea or a cappuccino will perfectly complement the dessert.

In conclusion, this apple pie is not only a simple and quick recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring the family together, creating unforgettable memories. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, you can't go wrong with this recipe. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 17 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons lard, 3 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved), 3 tablespoons sugar, milk or cream as needed. Filling: approximately 10-15 apples, 4-5 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, 2 packets vanilla sugar, semolina for sheets.

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