Apple pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that has brought joy to the tables of many families over generations. This simple and delicious recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon, creating an explosion of tastes that will delight the senses. Whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or a delicious ice cream, this pie will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Let's embark together on the adventure of making this wonderful pie!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flour (as needed, approximately 400-500 g)

For the filling:
- 1 kg of apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart apples)
- 300 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for a more intense flavor, you can also add a bit of nutmeg)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step by step for a perfect pie

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the soft butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well with a whisk or mixer until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature to incorporate evenly.

Now, we start adding the flour. Gradually add the flour, mixing constantly, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. You may not need all the flour, so adjust the amount based on the moisture of the ingredients. Here’s a trick: the dough should be soft but not sticky.

2. Chilling the dough:
Divide the dough into two parts: one larger and one smaller. Wrap the smaller part in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The larger part will be kept in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture of the pie.

3. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, let’s take care of the delicious filling. Wash the apples well, peel them, and grate them using a large grater. Transfer the grated apples to a pot, add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla sugar. Cook over low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples release their juice and it evaporates. This is an important step, as a filling that is too wet will cause the pie to become soggy. Once the filling has cooled, it is ready to use.

4. Assembling the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with a little butter and dust it with flour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into an even sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Place the dough sheet in the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom well.

Add the apple filling on top of the dough, spreading it evenly. Then, roll out another sheet of dough (from the larger part) and cover the filling. If you have leftover apple filling, you can add it as an extra layer to enhance the flavor.

5. The perfect finish:
Remove the dough from the freezer and, using a grater, grate it over the pie to create a crumble layer. This will become crispy during baking and will add a pleasant texture.

6. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy on top. You will know it is ready when the delicious aroma of apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen.

7. Serving:
Once the pie is ready, let it cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes before cutting it. This will help set the filling. You can serve the pie plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Another delicious option is to serve it with a caramel sauce for a spectacular effect.

Practical tips:
- Choosing apples: It is important to choose quality apples. Apples with a firm texture, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate for a modern twist on the recipe. Additionally, you can replace some of the sugar with honey for a healthier version.
- Caring for the pie: If you want to keep the pie longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent excessive freezing.

Nutritional information:
A serving of apple pie (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and fiber due to the apples. Additionally, cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned apples? While it is possible, it is recommended to use fresh apples to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- How can I make the pie less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use more tart apples to balance the sweetness.
- What drinks pair well with apple pie? A cup of black or herbal tea, a semi-dry white wine, or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this pie.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to try this delicious apple pie. Each bite will bring pleasant memories and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: * 200 g butter * 2 eggs * 2 tablespoons of milk * 1 teaspoon baking powder * vanilla essence * enough flour For the filling: * 1 kg of apples * 300 g sugar * 1 teaspoon cinnamon * 1 vanilla sugar