Apple Pie and Pie Crust Recipe

September 14, 2009 | By Admin In Pies |

Apple Pie

5 tart apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Grated rind of 1/4 lemon

Line a pie pan with plain paste (below). Rinse, pare, core, and cut apples in quarters, then in slices lengthwise. Pile them in the lined pie pan, heaping them well in the center, lleaving a half-inch space around the edge of the pie.

Mix sugar, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, grated rind and turn over apples. Dot over with bits of butter. Wet edges and cover with top crust. Press and flute edges. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until a nice golden brown.

Plain Paste for Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup shortening
Ice water

Mix and sift flour, salt, and baking powder. Rub in shortening (reserving 1 1/2 tablespoons) with tips of fingers. Add just enough ice water to form a soft dough, mixing it in with a knife.

Turn on a floured board. Roll out in a thin sheet, spread lightly with remaining shortening. Roll like a jelly roll. Cut in 2 pieces, having one a little larger than the other. Chill.

Stand the rolls on end. Press down with the hand and roll in circular piece to fit pie pan. The larger piece is for the top crust.

This recipes makes pastry for one medium-sized pie with two crusts. If desired, omit the baking powder.