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Apple Pie

Apple pie, a favorite of Calvin Coolidge, embodies the simple, wholesome values that shaped his life and presidency. This iconic dessert, featuring spiced apples encased in a flaky crust, offers a taste of Coolidge’s New England roots and reflects his love for traditional American food.
By baking apple pie at home, you can enjoy a dessert that was cherished by one of America’s most grounded presidents.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Making the Pie Crust:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Assembling the Pie:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out one of the dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the pie dish, pressing it into the corners.
  3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
  4. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  5. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

Baking:

  1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  2. Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.

Serving:

  1. Serve the apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly classic dessert experience.

Video

Notes

Apple Varieties:
  • Choosing the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the pie. For a sweeter pie, try using Honeycrisp or a combination of both.
Crust Tips:
  • Achieving a Flaky Crust: Make sure to keep the butter and water cold while making the dough. This helps create those desirable flaky layers.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Enhancing the Flavor: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes the perfect complement to a warm slice of apple pie.