HOMEMADE ORGANIC APPLE PIE DESSERT - YUMMINESS AT ITS BEST

(C) CANSTOCKPHOTO

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But if it’s an apple pie, you can’t possibly keep temptation away. Such is the delectable taste of this dessert!!

History: An enticing fare

Apple pie became popular across the world at various points of time in history. The earliest known recipe for English apple pie dates back to 1381. It mentions the use of apples, figs, pears, spices, and raisins to make the pie.

Dutch apple pie recipe traces back to the Middle Ages. It is documented in a Dutch cookbook from 1514. Traditional Dutch apple pies are two distinct varieties: crumb style and lattice style.

In America, the apple pie was introduced by the British, Swedes, and Dutch colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. Since then, it has been a popular dessert there. Regardless of its timeline of origin in different parts of the world, this dessert continues to allure everyone with its taste and flavor.

Health Benefits: Goodness in a pie

Apple pie does more than just indulge your taste buds. Here are some of its health benefits:

·         A piece of apple pie provides a large portion of your day’s energy requirement

·         It satisfies your daily dose of fat requirement

·         Apple pie slices contain protein that helps in building muscles and tissues.

·         It is a source of dietary fibers that keep your system clean

Ingredients and Preparation: A haven of flavors

Here we bring to you a classic apple pie recipe.

1.       Preparation Time: 1 hr 20 min

2.       Cooking Time: 55 min

3.       Serves: 8 persons

4.       Level of cooking: Medium

Ingredients

For Pastry

•        Plain flour: 260g

•        Self-raising flour: 75g

•        Eggs: 2

•        Milk: 1 tablespoon

•        Unsalted butter: 185g (chilled, cut into small cubes)

•        Caster sugar: 75g and some more to sprinkle

For Filling

·         Organic Granny Smith apples: 8

·         Unsalted butter: 45g

·         Caster sugar: 110g

·         Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (ground)

·         Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (ground)

·         Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

•        Mix flour, salt, and butter in a large bowl until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

•        Add sugar. Mix well.

•        In a small bowl beat 1 egg lightly with 1 tablespoon chilled water. Add to flour mixture.

•        Start bringing the dough together and form a smooth pastry ball. Add a little water if needed.

•        Divide the ball into two portions, one a bit larger than the other.

•        Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

•        For the filling: Peel, core, and cut apples into 8 pieces each. Immediately mix with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent discoloring. Put butter and sugar in a large fry pan over low heat. When butter melts, add apples and spices. Stir to coat well. Cook for 10 minutes or until apples softens, stirring occasionally. Keep aside to cool.

•        Roll out the larger pastry portion into a 30cm circle.   

•        Transfer the pastry to a metal pie dish of 22cm.  Softly press into corners, allowing excess to overhang.

•        Put filling in this base.

•        In a bowl beat remaining eggs with milk. Brush some on the rim of the base.

•        Roll out the smaller pastry portion into a 25cm circle. Place over filling.

•        Trim, crimp and seal edges.

•        Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

•        Preheat oven to 180°C.

•        Brush the pie top with beaten eggs. Sprinkle caster sugar.

•        Cut four slits in the pie center.

•        Bake for 45 minutes or until pie turns golden brown.

Nutrition Info: Enjoy in moderation

• ·         Each serving contains:
• ·         Calories: 582.69
• ·         Cholesterol: 127mg
• ·         Carbohydrate: 77g
• ·         Fat: 26g (Saturated fat 16g)
• ·         Protein: 7g
• ·         Sodium: 94.03mg
• ·         Fibre: 7g
• ·         Sugar: 46g

Try this recipe to enjoy the spectacular goodness of homemade apple pie.