Apple Custard Meringue Pie

Apple Custard Meringue Pie Recipe | USA | Wholesome and Nutritious Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Apple Custard Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the smooth, creamy texture of custard, all topped with a light and airy meringue. This pie is perfect for those who appreciate the classic apple pie but are looking for something with a bit more complexity and elegance. The combination of textures and flavors makes this pie a standout dessert for any occasion.

History

The Apple Custard Meringue Pie is a fusion of several traditional desserts. The concept of apple pie dates back to the 14th century in England, while custard has been a popular dessert ingredient since the Middle Ages. Meringue, a French invention, became popular in the 17th century. This recipe brings these elements together, creating a modern dessert that pays homage to its rich historical roots.

Ingredients

Pie Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
0.5 cup cold water
1 tbsp white vinegar
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup shortening

Apple Pie Filling

7 granny smith apples
2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp white sugar
0.5 cup hot water

Egg White / Meringue

Custard

4 tbsp custard powder
6 tbsp white sugar
1 cup milk
0.5 cup cold water

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the shortening and flour.
Beat the egg and vinegar together.
Dissolve the salt in cold water.
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, while also adding the salty solution.
Massage the mixture until it forms a dough.
Cover the dough with a dry cloth and let it sit in a bowl for half an hour.
Divide the dough into three parts and roll out one part to fit a baking tray.
Using a fork, make holes in the dough to allow air to escape while baking.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) until the crust turns light brown.
The remaining two parts of the dough can be stored for future use.
Prepare the apple filling before baking the crust.
Slice the apples into thin slices.
In a pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter and add the sliced apples. Stir for 2 minutes.
Add 4 tbsp of white sugar and continue stirring for 2 minutes.
Slowly pour in 0.5 cup of hot water and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Custard (this can be done after the crust is baked)

In a bowl, mix together the custard, sugar, milk, and cold water.
Stir until all the ingredients are dissolved.
Cook over low heat until the mixture boils.

Meringue (can be prepared last)

In a bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar until light and fluffy.
Pour the apple filling into the baked crust, followed by the custard. Cover it with the beaten egg whites.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) until the meringue turns light brown.

Variations

For a twist on the classic, try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling. A caramel drizzle on top of the meringue before baking adds a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a flaky pie crust, keep all ingredients cold and handle the dough as little as possible. For the custard, constant stirring is key to prevent lumps. When making the meringue, ensure the bowl and beaters are completely grease-free and the egg whites are at room temperature to achieve maximum volume.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apple Custard Meringue Pie slightly warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can enhance the flavors and textures of the pie.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques involved in making this pie include preparing and baking a flaky crust, cooking a smooth custard, and whipping a stable meringue. Mastery of these techniques will ensure a pie that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier crust, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. In the custard, almond milk can replace cow's milk for a dairy-free option. For the meringue, a sugar substitute can be used to reduce the overall sugar content.

Make Ahead Tips

The pie crust and apple filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The custard can also be prepared in advance and reheated gently before assembling the pie.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, pipe the meringue onto the pie using a star tip. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few apple slices arranged on top can add a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

A sweet Riesling or a sparkling Moscato pairs beautifully with the Apple Custard Meringue Pie, complementing its sweetness and acidity.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Apple Custard Meringue Pie contains approximately 400 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Apple Custard Meringue Pie contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The majority comes from the flour in the crust, the sugar used in the filling, custard, and meringue, and the natural sugars in the apples.

Fats

This pie contains about 20 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the shortening in the crust and the butter in the apple filling. Using a low-fat milk for the custard can help reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of pie provides around 5 grams of protein, coming from the milk in the custard and the eggs used in the crust and meringue.

Vitamins and minerals

The apples in the filling are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. The milk used in the custard contributes calcium and vitamin D, while the eggs provide selenium and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the flour), eggs, and dairy. Those with sensitivities should take caution.

Summary

Overall, the Apple Custard Meringue Pie is a high-calorie dessert that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoying it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Summary

The Apple Custard Meringue Pie is a sophisticated dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the creamy richness of custard and the lightness of meringue. With its historical roots and nutritional profile, this pie is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a decadent finish to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Agnes, who was known for her delicious pies. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book and began flipping through the pages with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Ah, here it is!" she exclaimed, pointing to a faded page that had been marked with a yellowing piece of paper. "Apple Custard Meringue Pie. This is one of my favorites, and I think you'll love it too."

I leaned in closer, eager to see the ingredients and instructions for this intriguing dessert. As Agnes began to read aloud, I could practically taste the sweet apples, creamy custard, and fluffy meringue in my mind.

To my delight, Agnes offered to teach me how to make the pie that very afternoon. We spent the next few hours peeling, slicing, and cooking apples, whisking together a rich custard filling, and whipping up a cloud-like meringue topping. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air as the pie baked in the oven, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I took a bite of the pie and was transported to heaven. The combination of tart apples, creamy custard, and airy meringue was like nothing I had ever tasted before. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a cherished memory of a wonderful day spent with a dear friend.

Over the years, I have made Agnes' Apple Custard Meringue Pie countless times, always with a smile on my face and a grateful heart. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of the day I first learned how to make it and the joy it brings to those who taste it.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations like a treasured heirloom. Each person who has tasted my pie has marveled at its deliciousness and begged for the recipe, which I have gladly shared, knowing that it will bring them as much happiness as it has brought me.

As I look back on that day in Agnes' kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for her friendship, her generosity, and her love of baking. I am grateful for the memories we created together, the laughter we shared, and the lessons she taught me about cooking with passion and joy.

And so, whenever I make Agnes' Apple Custard Meringue Pie, I do so with love in my heart and a smile on my face, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that began with a dear friend and a simple recipe that has brought so much happiness to so many.