Tender apple pie

Tender Apple and Walnut Pie: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Welcome to the delicious world of desserts! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a tender apple and walnut pie, a delightful combination that merges the natural sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts. This pie is not just a culinary treat but also a perfect choice to bring a touch of warmth and joy to chilly autumn evenings.

A Brief Story About Apple Pie
Apple pies have been made for centuries, becoming a symbol of comfort and tradition in many cultures. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or cold alongside a cup of tea, these desserts have managed to bring smiles to people's faces. Additionally, using apples, an accessible and versatile fruit, makes this pie not only delicious but also a healthy option.

Necessary Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 150g cold butter
- 80g sour cream
- 1 egg
- 80g powdered Green Sugar sweetener (or 80g sugar)
- 300g flour (preferably country-style)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 1.4kg apples
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons powdered Green Sugar sweetener (or 3 tablespoons sugar)
- 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A handful of chopped walnuts

Step by Step: Making the Pie

1. Apple Filling:
We start with the filling to give it time to cool. Wash the apples thoroughly, then peel and grate them using a large grater. This process will help release the juice from the apples, resulting in a richer filling.

In a saucepan, add the oil, grated apples, and powdered sweetener. Place the saucepan over medium to high heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking. The liquid will start to reduce; keep stirring until almost all the liquid has evaporated. Finally, add the cinnamon and mix well. Once the filling is ready, let it cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the cold cubed butter, sour cream, egg, and sweetener. Mix all the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.

Then, add the salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the sifted flour until you obtain a smooth and non-sticky dough. If using store-bought flour, you may need 2-3 extra tablespoons to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Assembling the Pie:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Take the first piece and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a medium thickness.

Line a 22/24 cm baking dish with parchment paper. Place the first sheet of dough in the dish, ensuring to cover the edges as well. Sprinkle half of the chopped walnuts, then pour the cooled apple filling, leveling it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top.

Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling. Gently press the edges with your fingers to seal them. If there is excess dough around the edges, trim it with a knife.

4. Baking the Pie:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until it turns golden brown on top. When done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the dish.

5. Serving:
Once the pie has completely cooled, dust it with sweetener, then slice it. It is delicious served warm or cold, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result
- Use different types of apples to achieve a complex and flavorful filling. Tart apples provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dough.
- If you prefer a crunchier pie, allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling the pie.
- You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute Green Sugar sweetener with regular sugar or another preferred sweetener, keeping in mind that each will slightly affect the final taste.

- How can I tell if the pie is baked?
Check if the top of the pie is golden, and you can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

- What other recipes can I try with apples?
If you love apples, try making apple tarts or apple crumbles, both of which are delicious and easy to prepare.

Nutritional Benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, adding nutritional value to the dessert.

Possible Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, or add raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor in the filling.

This tender apple and walnut pie is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that will bring warmth and comfort at any time of the day. So, gather your ingredients and let the natural flavors inspire you! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 150 g butter 80 g sour cream 1 egg 80 g Green Sugar powdered sweetener (or 80 g sugar) 300 g flour (I used country flour) 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla essence a pinch of salt For the filling: 1.4 kg apples 2 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons Green Sugar powdered sweetener (or 3 tablespoons sugar) 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 handful of walnuts

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