Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup shortening (like Crisco), chilled
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and shortening; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide in half; shape into disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim edges to fit and crimp to form a decorative border.
4. Fill and Top the Pie: Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture and dot the top with butter pieces. Roll out the second dough disk to a similar size as the first. Use this to cover the pie and crimp edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake the Pie: Brush the top crust with a little milk or beaten egg for a glaze. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
– Use a variety of apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
– Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling for extra depth of flavor.
– Experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or honey, for a slightly different flavor profile.
– For a glossy finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking