Apple Pie Day!

AN APPLE PIE READY, JUST HOT OUT OF THE OVEN!

Apple pies are a lovely treat for any afternoon tea or a desert to be savoured by family and friends, no matter what the occasion. It can be consumed simply on its own, hot or cold or with a dollop or two of vanilla ice-cream......simply yummy!

It all a matter of how you choose to enjoy this lovely pie. It will also taste good if you spread some powdered or icing sugar on the top of the crust. To get the best taste of the apple filling, I make sure I only use Granny Smith green apples. Well I must say that they produce a wonderful sour, sweet and tangy flavour which is simply unbeatable comparing to other brands of apples.

Perhaps you might want to try a hand at making this delicious Apple Pie? Here's the recipe and all the secrets revealed!

To Make Apple Filling

4-6 medium cooking green apples peeled, cored and sliced.
3/4 cup castor sugar plus extra for decoration
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 piece of cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1 tablespoon marmalade
30 g butter

Ingredients for Pastry

2 cups plain flour
1/4 cup icing sugar
185 g cold butter
2 egg yolks
2-3 tablespoons cold water
milk, for glazing

For pastry:

1.Firstly sift the flour and then put the flour, icing sugar, and butter in bowl and mix lightly with finger tips to form bread crumbs like texture.

2. Mix the water together with the egg yolks and beat a little. Then pour it to the mixing bowl
and then very quickly and lightly incorporate the mixture to form a dough. Add a little water to it if it is too dry.

3. Turn the pastry flour on to lightly floured board and knead briefly to form into a smooth dough. Divide it into two - one slightly larger than the other. Cover them with cling wrap and put in refrigerator for a few minutes.

To Make Apple Filling

1. Combine the sliced apples and sugar, water, cinnamon and cloves in a large pan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until just softened.

2. Remove pan from heat and pour off excess juice. Remove cinnamon and cloves.

3. Add butter and marmalade. Mix gently and set a side to cool.

Preheat the oven to 210 C or 190F

Method:

1.Roll the larger pastry to line the bottom of the pie dish. Then spoon gently the prepared apples evenly into the line-pie dish.

2.Brush the pie rim with milk or water.

3.Lastly place the smaller pastry on top of the apple filling and pressed the edges to deal. Then trim the edges and of the pastry around the rim and press with fork to seal the circumference of the apple pie dish.

4. Slash 2 or 3 marks on the top of the finished pie so as to let steam during the cooking process to avoid it from bubbling the filling over that can be pretty messy.

5. Brush the top of the pastry with milk and sprinkle with the extra castor sugar on the top.

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.

THIS IS HOW THE APPLE PIE LOOKS - AFTER IT'S BEEN 'ATTACKED'

Enjoy Baking & Eating!

Cheers!

Sherry