Apple Cranberry Pie

Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Apple Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweet, mellow flavor of apples, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This pie is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Its vibrant filling not only tastes delicious but also adds a splash of color to your dessert table. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering pie, ensuring a perfect result every time.

History

The Apple Cranberry Pie is a modern twist on traditional apple pie recipes that have been cherished for generations. Apple pies have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe, but it was in America where they found their iconic status. The addition of cranberries to the pie is a distinctly American innovation, reflecting the fruit's native roots in the northeastern United States. This recipe celebrates the fusion of these two beloved ingredients, creating a dessert that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

Ingredients

Filling

0.25 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp chilled butter, cut into small pieces
0.5 tsp cinnamon
4 Jonagold apples, peeled, cored, quartered and each quarter cut crosswise into 4 pieces
0.67 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries (or 0.5 cup dried cranberries soaked in boiling water 5 minutes and drained)

Pie Pastry

1.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp salt
5 tbsp chilled butter or margarine
3 to 4 tbsp cold water

How to prepare

Filling

Combine sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon using your fingertips or 2 knives until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set it aside.

Assembly

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Gradually add water while tossing to mix.
Gather the mixture into a disk, wrap it in waxed paper, and chill it for 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie pastry to a 15-inch circle.
Gently fold it into quarters and transfer it to a large baking sheet.
Unfold the pastry and arrange the apples in the center 10 inches of the dough. Sprinkle with cranberries.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples.
Bring the outer edge of the dough 2.5 inches over the apples, pleating as needed.
Gently press the outside edge of the dough to the pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent the crust from becoming too brown.
Allow it to cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then serve it warm.

Variations

Consider these variations to customize the pie to your taste:
Substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor profile.
Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for added warmth.
Use a lattice crust for a more decorative presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apple Cranberry Pie turns out perfectly, consider these tips and tricks:

- Use cold butter and margarine for the pastry to achieve a flaky crust.

- Mix the pastry dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.

- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.

- Arrange the apple slices evenly to ensure consistent baking.

- Cover the edges of the pie with foil if they brown too quickly, to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apple Cranberry Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also enhance the flavors.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe involves several cooking techniques, including making pastry dough, rolling out pie crust, and baking. Mastering these techniques will not only help you create this pie but also improve your overall baking skills.

Ingredient Substitutions

If necessary, you can make the following substitutions:

- Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

- Replace butter with a dairy-free margarine to make the pie vegan.

Make Ahead Tips

The pie pastry can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, garnish the pie with fresh cranberries and mint leaves before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of sophistication.

Pairing Recommendations

Apple Cranberry Pie pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a wine pairing, choose a sweet dessert wine such as Riesling or Moscato.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Apple Cranberry Pie contains approximately 300 calories. The calories are derived from the combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the ingredients.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Apple Cranberry Pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the flour in the crust, the sugar, and the natural sugars found in the apples and cranberries. This dessert is a source of quick energy, making it a satisfying end to a meal.

Fats

This pie contains about 10 grams of fat per serving, with the majority coming from the butter and margarine used in the pastry. These fats contribute to the pie's rich flavor and tender, flaky crust.

Proteins

Each serving of Apple Cranberry Pie provides around 2 grams of protein, primarily from the all-purpose flour used in the crust.

Vitamins and minerals

The apples and cranberries in the pie are good sources of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, while fiber aids in digestion.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Apple Cranberry Pie is a delicious dessert that provides energy from carbohydrates, fats for flavor and texture, and a small amount of protein. It also offers some vitamins and minerals from the fruits used in the filling.

Summary

The Apple Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful and delicious pie that's perfect for any occasion. With tips for making the perfect pastry, nutritional information, and serving suggestions, this guide provides everything you need to make this pie a new favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found at a yard sale. The pages were yellowed and dog-eared, evidence of the many hands that had lovingly pored over its contents. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Apple Cranberry Pie caught my eye and I knew I had to try it.

I had always loved baking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She was a master baker, and her pies were the stuff of legends in our family. I remember the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg that would waft through the house as she worked her magic, creating delicious treats that we would eagerly devour.

As I read through the recipe, I could almost taste the tartness of the cranberries mingling with the sweetness of the apples. The thought of the flaky, buttery crust melting in my mouth made my stomach growl in anticipation. I knew that this pie would be a hit with my family, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients – apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, and spices – and set to work in the kitchen. As I peeled and sliced the apples, I thought about all the women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking through the generations. I felt a connection to them, as if I were part of a long line of women who had shared the same passion for creating delicious meals for their families.

The scent of the pie baking in the oven filled the house, and I knew that I had created something special. When I pulled it out of the oven and saw the golden crust and bubbling fruit filling, I couldn't wait to dig in. I served it warm, with a dollop of whipped cream on top, and watched as my family's eyes lit up with delight.

From that day on, Apple Cranberry Pie became a staple in our household. It was requested at every holiday meal, and I was always happy to oblige. I would make it for friends and neighbors, bringing a taste of joy and comfort to everyone who tried it.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a bit more spice or experimenting with different types of apples. But the basic recipe has remained the same, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and shared memories.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on to the next generation so that they too can experience the joy of baking a delicious pie from scratch. And as I grow older, I know that this recipe will live on, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal we create.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give Apple Cranberry Pie a chance. It may just become a favorite in your household, a cherished memory that you will pass down to your own loved ones. And who knows, maybe one day, your grandchildren will find themselves drawn to it like a magnet, just as I was all those years ago.