Heavenly Apple Pie

To make the crust, in a medium bowl pour flour, sugar, and salt; stir. Add the cold butter and Crisco pieces and using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the pieces into the flour until the butter/Crisco are the size of small peas. Add the ice cold water and mix until it just holds together, adding up to 1-2 tablespoons more ice water depending on the humidity. Separate into 2 discs and wrap in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.

While the pie dough is cooling in the fridge, make the filling.

Peel and slice apples and place in a large bowl. It will look like it will never fit in the pie plate but they will.

Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg and stir until well combined. Taste an apple piece and see if it is yummy or too tart. If it is really tart, you can add up to 1/2 cup more sugar. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Take the pie dough out of the fridge and on a lightly floured counter or pie mat, roll into a large enough circle to fit your pie dish. I use a 9″ dish. Starting at one edge, roll the dough up onto the rolling pin for easier transferring to the pie dish. Roll the pie crust into the dish and lightly press into the dish. Cut the excess overhang to 1/2″ over the pie dish.

Pour the filling into the pie crust then dot the pie with the remaining butter. Roll out the top crust and place on top of the filling. Trim the top crust to a 1/2″ overhang. Turn the dough under around the edge of the pie, pinching as you go. Give the pie a fluted edge and prick with a fork several times on the top to release steam as it bakes.

Place the pie dish on a piece of tin foil or place a baking sheet on the next rack down to catch any overspill.

Bake for 1 hour then test the apples by inserting a fork into the center to see if the apples are tender. If they are not tender, continue baking an additional 15 minutes. You might want to lightly tent the pie with foil after about 45 minutes so it doesn’t get too brown on top.

If the apples are tender, the pie is done. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Serves 6-8.

Enjoy!