The first apple pie of the season just came out of the oven, and if I must say, it’s a culinary work of art. It’s the pie I bring to potluck suppers, and people rush through their meal to get in line for dessert. Grown men push their way to the front and, when they think no one is looking, lick their plates clean.
Before the pie goes into the oven, I brush a little milk and sprinkle sugar over the top so it’s got a bit of a glaze, and while it’s still warm, I give it my signature topping — a sugary drizzle of thick white icing. Also, it’s covered with a lattice crust — you don’t see those very often on apple pies, but it seems to make a better balance of pastry and fruit than the usual vented top crust.
About the apples — I know some cooks swear by Romes, but I think Cortlands make the best pies. Besides their great taste, they hold their shape. Macs also have good flavor, but they tend to fall apart when cooked so instead of nice slices, you end up with something resembling cinnamon applesauce sandwiched between two crusts.
For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Cut in 1/2 cup shortening and add about 5 tablespoons ice water or enough to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put in fridge.
For the filling, combine 2 1/4 pounds apples, peeled and sliced (about 7 cups), 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Preheat the oven to 425F. Roll about two-thirds of the dough into a rough 12-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with apples. Roll remaining dough into a rough 12-inch circle and cut in 8 strips. Place strips in lattice pattern on top of pie and seal edges.
Brush pastry with about a teaspoon of milk and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake 20 minutes. Lower temperature to 375 degrees and bake another 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Cool the pie on a rack and when it’s at room temperature or still warm, whisk 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar and about 1 teaspoon warm water to make a thick glaze. Drizzle over the top. Makes a 9-inch pie.
arry it to the table and stand back so the crowd can get through!
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