French Apple Pie. Recipe

French Apple Pie, also known as Tarte aux Pommes, is a classic dessert that is loved for its heavenly combination of sweet, juicy apples nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. This delectable treat has been a favorite in French cuisine for centuries and continues to be a beloved dessert around the world. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering French Apple Pie that will impress your family and friends.

Fun Fact: Apple pie has a long history dating back to medieval times when it was made with ingredients like figs, raisins, and pears. It was during the 17th century that apples became a popular filling, and from then on, apple pie has become an iconic American dessert.

Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup ice water

For the filling:
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt

For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and toss them with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together for about 15 minutes.

5. Take one disc of the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

6. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.

7. Roll out the second disc of dough to create the top crust. You can choose to create a lattice design by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them, or simply place the entire rolled-out piece of dough on top of the filling and cut vents to allow steam to escape.

8. Brush the top crust with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

9. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving. This will ensure that the filling sets properly.

Fun Fact: French Apple Pie is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, adding an extra indulgence to this already delightful dessert.

French Apple Pie is a delightful variation of the traditional American apple pie. However, it's not the only apple dessert of its kind in French cuisine. Another classic French apple recipe is Tarte Tatin, which features caramelized apples on a buttery pastry crust. This upside-down tart is equally delicious and is a must-try for all apple pie enthusiasts.

In conclusion, French Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings together the sweetness of apples and the perfection of a beautifully baked crust. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this pie is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab some fresh apples, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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