Lesson #11 - Homemade American Apple Pie
Today we decided to make Pops, Alexis' Dad, a homemade treat. There is nothing better than mini apple pies with vanilla ice-cream.
Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Total Time: 90 mins
Serving: 12 mini apple pies
Ingredients
3 cups flour - pie crust
2 tablespoons sugar - pie crust
1/4 teaspoon salt - pie crust
1 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces) - pie crust
8 tablespoons of ice water - pie crust
1 apple peeled, cored and chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons orange juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 DEGREES
STEP ONE:
Measure and add the flour, sugar and salt into the food processor. Choose pulse and mix ingredients once or twice. Then add the butter, mixing it until it looks crumbly.
STEP TWO:
Slowly add ice water and process at pulse until the dough starts to form. It will stay moderately crumbly, but sticky.
STEP THREE:
Split the dough into two separate piles on a sheet of plastic wrap. Form two balls, gathering up the crumbs into the balls.
STEP FOUR:
Flatten each ball into a thick round saucer using the plastic wrap to contain it. Each saucer should be wrapped and refrigerated for at least 20 minutes.
STEP FIVE:
While your pie crust is in the refrigerator get started on your pie filling. Chop your apple using an apple slicer or knife. (It is hard to push down with the apple slicer so help if needed) Many recipes call for the apple to be peeled as well. We left the apple peel on, but do as you prefer. Make sure to chop into small pieces.
STEP SIX:
Mix the chopped apple, sugar, cinnamon and juice in a bowl. We did not have orange juice so we replaced it with lime juice. You are just looking for an acidic juice. Let it sit while you prepare the pie crust.
STEP SEVEN:
Place the pie crust in between to pieces of plastic wrap and roll out.
STEP EIGHT:
Cut out small round pie crust. This can be done using a round cookie cutter or rim of a glass. We used a large mason jar. Once they are cut out place them into the mini cupcake baking pan.
STEP NINE:
Add the apple filling to each cup.
STEP TEN:
Grab up all the extra pie crust and start decorating the tops. We did hearts, stripes, stars, moons, etc. Get creative and have fun!
STEP ELEVEN:
Beat an egg with milk in a bowl. Brush the mini pies with the egg mixture. Then place the mini pies in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown.
STEP TWELVE:
Remove them from the oven and let cool. Platter up and serve to family! In our case we made a special delivery over to Pops at his house.