Rustic Apple Pie

We just returned from a relaxing, nature-filled week in Nothern Idaho.  The beautiful fall colors and the fresh crisp air was a welcome site from the smoke-filled air we’ve been having here in the Bay Area from the unfortunate Wine Country Fires.

The apple tree in front of our house produced a spectacular amount of delicious apples (not sure what type they are.)  It’s unfortunate that most of them had fallen to the ground by the time we got there, but I was still able to collect a large bowl full of decent ones to use in this rustic apple pie. It looks like the wild turkeys found the apples irresistible as well!!!

Rustic Apple Pie  (makes one 9 in. pie)

For the dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 stick cold butter
• 1 /3 cup ice water

In a large bowl sift the flour, sugar, and salt.  Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture.  Using a fork or pastry blender cut the butter into the flour until you have pea sized chunks of butter incorporated into the flour mixture.  Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and continue mixing until smalls balls form.  If they start sticking together, you’ve added enough water, if not then continue drizzling small amounts of ice water until dough coheres.  Divide your dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap, pressing dough into disks.  Refrigerate for about 30 mins. Preheat oven to 425F

Apple Filling

• 5-6 medium-sized apples, cored, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

In a medium bowl mix the cut apples with the rest of the ingredients, gently stir with a spatula.  Let sit about 15 mins for flavors to infuse.

Roll the dough disks and place one of them into the bottom of a 9 inch pie pan.  Place the apple filling inside. Cover with the top crust.  Seal and crimp edges together with your fingers or a fork.  Cut steam vents in the top crust and sprinkle with sugar.  Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 30 mins.  Reduce heat to 350F and continue baking for additional 30-45 mins until filling is bubbling and crust is golden brown. Cool for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!