Learn to Master the Art of the Apple Pie

Artistry meets efficiency with Stemilt’s pie baking master class. Dirty only the dishes you need to, spend the minimum time for the maximum flavor. Tweak the top crust quickly to add even more pop to the pie. Watch the series, and every crumb will be a triumph.

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Stemilt Growers and Elizabeth van Lierde of the College Housewife will show you how to make the best apple pie for any occasion in the following three videos. From the perfectly flaky pie crust, fail-proof pie filling and showstopper crust ideas, you’ll be an expert in no time! To get started, just click on the videos below.

Want even more baking tips, tricks and recipes? Make sure to visit our complimentary materials section as we’ve got you covered.

Pinata Apple Pie 1

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds Piñata® apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 2/3 cup of white granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp of coarse baking sugar for dusting
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Juice of 2 lemons, around 3 tbsp
  • 6 tbsp of unsalted butter, diced
  • 2 tbsp of white all-purpose flour
  • 2 round disks of pie dough, lightly dusted with flour
  • 1 tbsp of water
  • 1 small egg, beaten

Recipe:
Piñata® Apple Pie

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the apples and lemon juice, and then use your hands to gently fold and coat the lemon juice across the apples to prevent browning. Once coated, toss in the cinnamon and salt, and fold once more to blend them all together.
  2. Gently melt the butter into a large skillet, and slowly add the sugar, stirring until you have a melted butter thick with sugar.
  3. And then add the apples to the pan and simmer over medium heat until slightly tender, around 15 minutes. Once tender, mix in the flour and stir for a moment longer, or until the juices in the pan are thick. Remove the apples from the heat, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
  4. Lightly dust your pie dish with flour, and place the first dough disk along the bottom of the pan, before filling with the cooled apples. Then top with the second pie disk; the mound will be high, so ensure that your second disk is slightly larger than the first to cover the mound of apples.
  5. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the bottom disk with egg and then use your hands to press the top and bottom disk together. Fold the overhang dough under itself and then crimp the edges between your fingers to create a waved edge.
  6. Add the water to remaining egg and lightly brush the top of the pie with it, then sprinkle with sugar. Cut a few slits on the top for vents and then refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. While the pie chills, place a large baking sheet on the lower middle rack of your oven, and preheat it to 425F. Before placing your pie on the hot baking sheet, apply 2 inch strips of foil to the edges to prevent over browning, then place in the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 375 and bake for an hour.
  8. After 45 minutes remove the foil, and rotate the pie.
  9. Once baked, move to cooling rack and allow it to rest for 2 hours before serving.

Crust

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cube butter into small cubes. With a pastry blender, blend butter and flour until crumbles form. Slowly add in your ice water a little add a time, incorporating with your pastry blender after each pour. The dough can vary consistency because of climate (if you live in a dry climate you may need a little more water or less in a moist climate). Form into two disk shapes, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Bring the dough to room temp and roll the out on a well floured surface. The dough may seem tough to roll out but apply pressure. Roll your 9-inch dough around your rolling pin and roll over your pie dish. Set into the fridge until filling is ready.

Filling 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut and peel apple into slices and mix with sugar, cinnamon, juice, zest, nutmeg, allspice, salt and flour. Allow apples to macerate for 10-15 minutes to release their juice.  Pour into uncooked pie shell. Roll out your other dough disk and design the top of the pie with crust design of your choice. Whisk egg and milk mixture and brush with a pastry brush over pie crust.

Bake at a 350 degree fahrenheit oven for 50-60 minutes until the fruit is bubbling and your crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!