Dave’s Basic Apple Pie

Dave's Basic Apple Pie Recipe - Delicious & Easy

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 75 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Apple pie is a classic dessert that is loved by many for its sweet and comforting flavors. This recipe for Dave's Basic Apple Pie is a simple and delicious version that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

The origins of apple pie can be traced back to England, where it was a popular dish as early as the 14th century. The recipe eventually made its way to America, where it became a staple in American cuisine. Dave's Basic Apple Pie recipe is a traditional take on this beloved dessert.

Ingredients

5 or 6 large granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
0.5 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup sugar
0.33 cup flour
1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch
1 pinch of salt
1 tsp allspice
3 tbsp butter
2 prepared pie crusts, or your favorite recipe

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the apple slices in a large bowl and add the lemon zest and juice.
Toss the apples to coat them evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, arrowroot, salt, and allspice. Mix thoroughly.
Add the sugar mixture to the apples and gently stir to coat.
Place the bottom crust into a 10-inch pie pan and top it with the apple mixture.
Dot the top of the apples with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Top with the second crust and crimp the edges.
Make 4 small slices in the crust to allow steam to escape.
Wrap the edge of the pie with a piece of tin foil that covers the crimped crust.
Place the pie on a cookie sheet. You can line the sheet with foil for easy clean-up.
Bake the pie for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and return the pie to the oven for about 30 minutes.
The juices will usually run out of the pie.
Wait until the juices show signs of thickening.
Place the pie on a wire cooling rack for about an hour before slicing.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in some raisins or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Try using a lattice crust or a crumb topping instead of a traditional double crust for a different look and taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use firm and tart apples, such as Granny Smith, for the best flavor and texture in your pie.

- Pre-cooking the apples with lemon juice and zest helps to prevent them from turning brown and adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the filling.

- Making small slits in the top crust allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pie from becoming soggy.

- Letting the pie cool on a wire rack before slicing helps the filling to set and ensures clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dave's Basic Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic and indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Pre-cooking the apples with lemon juice and zest helps to soften them slightly and infuse them with flavor.

- Crimping the edges of the pie crust helps to seal in the filling and create a decorative finish.

- Using a cookie sheet lined with foil underneath the pie helps to catch any drips and makes for easy clean-up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Granny Smith apples, you can use another tart and firm variety, such as Braeburn or Honeycrisp.

- Arrowroot can be substituted for cornstarch in the filling.

- If you prefer a homemade pie crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead of store-bought crusts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the apple filling and assemble the pie up to a day in advance. Keep the unbaked pie covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Dave's Basic Apple Pie on decorative plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dave's Basic Apple Pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dave's Basic Apple Pie contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dave's Basic Apple Pie contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dave's Basic Apple Pie contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Dave's Basic Apple Pie contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, both of which are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy in the form of butter and pie crusts, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Dave's Basic Apple Pie is a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals from the apples.

Summary

Dave's Basic Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this pie is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy a slice (or two) of this delicious dessert today!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Dave's Basic Apple Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her whip up delicious treats with ease. I was always fascinated by her ability to create mouthwatering dishes out of simple ingredients, and I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a tattered piece of paper with the words "Dave's Basic Apple Pie" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it, and she told me that it was a recipe she had learned from a dear friend many years ago. She explained that Dave was a neighbor who had a knack for baking the most delicious pies, and she had been lucky enough to get her hands on his coveted apple pie recipe.

Eager to try my hand at making this famous pie, my grandmother and I set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients. As we peeled and sliced the apples, I listened intently as she shared stories of her friendship with Dave and the many times they had shared meals together. I could see the nostalgia in her eyes as she recounted the memories of baking with him in his cozy kitchen.

Once the pie was assembled and placed in the oven to bake, my grandmother sat me down at the kitchen table and began to recount the story of how she had come to acquire Dave's Basic Apple Pie recipe. She told me that it all started one sunny afternoon when she had been out for a walk in the neighborhood and happened to pass by Dave's house.

As she walked past his open kitchen window, the delicious aroma of baking apples wafted through the air, drawing her in like a magnet. Curious to see what he was making, my grandmother peeked through the window and saw Dave bustling about the kitchen, his hands covered in flour as he expertly rolled out pie crusts and filled them with sweet apple filling.

Intrigued by the sight, my grandmother knocked on the door and asked Dave if she could watch him work. To her surprise, he welcomed her with a warm smile and invited her into his kitchen. As they chatted and baked together, my grandmother was amazed by Dave's skill and passion for pie-making. She watched in awe as he effortlessly whipped up batch after batch of perfect pies, each one more delicious than the last.

Before she left that day, Dave handed my grandmother a handwritten recipe for his Basic Apple Pie, telling her that he wanted to pass on his knowledge to someone who would appreciate it as much as he did. Overwhelmed with gratitude, my grandmother thanked him profusely and promised to cherish the recipe forever.

And cherish it she did. Over the years, my grandmother perfected Dave's Basic Apple Pie recipe, adding her own little touches and tweaks to make it her own. Every time she baked the pie, it brought back memories of her time spent with Dave in his kitchen, and she felt a deep connection to the past.

As I sat there listening to her story, I felt a sense of pride and admiration for my grandmother. Not only was she an amazing cook, but she was also a wonderful storyteller, able to transport me back in time with her words. And as we sat down to enjoy a slice of Dave's Basic Apple Pie together, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of our family for generations to come.