How to Bake an Apple Pie from Scratch

Baking an apple pie from scratch is a wonderful and delicious way to showcase the flavors of fall. Here is a simple recipe for making an apple pie from scratch:

Ingredients: - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp sugar - 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced - 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water - 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled and cored apples (about 6 medium) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup light brown sugar - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1/4 tsp nutmeg - 1/4 tsp allspice - 2 tbsp unsalted butter - 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water - Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Fit the dough into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish, trimming the edges if necessary. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp of butter. Toss well to combine.

6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

7. Roll out the second disc of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into strips or shapes for a lattice or cut out shapes for a decorative top crust. Place the top crust over the filling, trim the edges and crimp as desired.

8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.

10. Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade apple pie!