I have always made my apple pies the same way, the way that my Grandmother and Mother made them, but I am trying to get away from using Crisco. All butter crusts are hard to handle though and I don’t have a source for pure lard. We have friends coming to visit tomorrow and I decided to make a dessert from what I had on hand. I had Granny Smith apples and the ingredients for a pie crust. This time I did a combination of Crisco and butter and the pie dough rolled out like a dream. It lifted easily from the rolling board and baked up beautifully. I am hoping that the combination will prove to be consistant and not just serendipitous.
MY NEW FAVORITE APPLE PIE
For the crust:
2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour ( I used King Arthurs)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1/4 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
1/2 cup milk
For the filling:
5 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 to 3/4 cup Sugar
1 to 2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbls flour
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Mix together the sugar, cinnamon and flour and add to apples. Toss to combine and let stand so that the apples will release their juices.
Place the flour in a medium mixing bowl. Add the salt and stir to combine. Add the 1/2 cup crisco and the cold butter pieces. Working with a serrated steak knife or pastry cutter, cut the shortenings into the flour. Be patient with this. The butter and shortening should be small pea size pieces when done. Add the milk and mix gently to combine. Divide dough into two pieces and flatten slightly. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate 1/2 hour.
On a floured surface roll the bottom dough piece into a circle large enough for a 9 inch pie plate. Place in pie pan and add the apple mixture. Roll out the second dough for the top. Slice a crescent in the center and prick several times with a fork. Place over bottom crust and filling. Press edges to seal and crimp the edges decoratively. If you would like brush the top with a beaten egg white and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until the crust is a golden brown.
Printable recipeWhat a difference lighting makes. I took the first picture in the evening by kitchen lighting and the second picture in the morning by sunlight.
I have gotten a good response to my Kitchen Reveal. Thank you to all of you who are posting pictures on Wednesday. There is still time to join in the fun. I will post links to all of the kitchens some time late Wednesday afternoon.
Penny,
I thought I made a great apple pie, but yours has severely shaken my confidence. Perfectly beautiful and looks delicious. I’m going to try the butter/Crisco mix next time. Thanks so much.
I think I have to make an apple pie for the neighborhood Thanksgiving… I need a crust that holds up to a LOT of liquid (I put cheese in mine). Gonna give this a shot
Put on the coffee…I think one little sliver of that pie is calling me……Looks wonderful!!! I want to try your butter/Crisco combo.
Penny, your crust looks amazing and I know the inside is to-die-for. Great tip about combining the Crisco & butter. Thanks
Milk in the crust is something I haven’t seen before. Now I’m curious. This looks delicious.
Lovely! I would like some for breakfast. 🙂
Gosh, I so love apple pie. I could eat it morning, noon, or night, any day of the week. It’s a huge personal favorite. Your crust looks beautiful. I am intrigued by the use of milk so will have to give this one a try.
I love recipes that have been used for many generations! And it looks delicious 🙂
This sounds so wonderful! I know I have been on your blog before but I want to put it in my favorites today! I live near you here in the mountains of NC! Love your blog!
HI,
my kitchen reveal is up!
http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies.blogspot.com/2009/11/open-house.html
Thanks so much for hosting this event!
Beautiful pie! I haven’t made my own crust before, yours has me inspired.
Your kitchen is very warm and inviting. If you ever need any home lace accessories check out Tea Time Consultants. http://www.teatimeconsultants.blogspot.com
I love the header shot of your cozy cottage kitchen pennny…it is so much funny getting to see everyone’s work spaces…kudos to you for getting the event together : ) …LOVELY and I mean LOVELY apple pie : ) …
You told us about your new favorite chocolate chip cookie which was terrific so I need to assume that this will be my new favorite apple pie too!
This apple pie is absolutely divine. Just love it! Enjoy your guests.
I make my pie crust with a combo of butter and shortening…and I love it! Your pie looks delicious 😀