Chef Sven's Secret Family Recipe: Grandma's Famous Apple Pie

Chef Sven • 2023-10-24

Introduction

Imagine a crisp autumn evening, the leaves falling gently from the trees, and the smell of warm apple pie wafting through the air. There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade apple pie, especially when it comes from my family’s secret recipe. I remember my dear Grandma Ingrid standing in her cozy kitchen, rolling out the perfect pie crust and filling it with a mixture of sweet, tender apples and just the right amount of warming spices. The aroma that filled the entire house was simply heavenly.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ to ½ cup ice water
• 6-7 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, while mixing with a fork, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
5. Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
6. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice. Add the sugar mixture and stir until the apples are evenly coated.
7. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie dish and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
8. Roll out the second chilled dough disk and place it on top of the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
9. Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish.
10. Make a few small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
11. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
12. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Grandma Ingrid’s famous apple pie is the epitome of comfort food. The flaky crust, the tender apples, and the harmonious blend of spices all come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert. So the next time you’re craving a taste of nostalgia, whip up a homemade apple pie using this secret family recipe. Just be prepared to share the recipe, because your friends and family will be begging for it!