This calendar year is flying, isn’t it?
Thanksgiving is literally, right around the corner and with that big day in mind, I want to share an amazing apple pie with you.
But before I get to the recipe, allow me to share a recent experience.
Last week, I was talking to a friend about the relentless news cycle filled with angry politics, senseless violence and such widespread suffering.
It was starting to overwhelm my senses, impacting my nerves and my sleep.
I felt like I needed more air. Fresh air.
Last week, I grabbed my camera gear, a wire basket and my new milking stool and hopped in my car for a short, unplanned road trip.
I drove more than an hour to go pick some apples, snap some photos… and get that fresh air I desperately wanted (needed).
The orchard has hundreds of acres and is spread out over a mountain with rolling hills and valleys.
It’s pretty late in the season so, I had to walk further and further downhill to get to the “Pink Lady” apples available for November picking.
I also had to walk further to get to more of the untouched apple trees with plentiful, low-hanging fruit.
I just kept walking, slightly aware that my gear was getting a little heavier but somewhat oblivious to the increasing downhill distance I was covering.
When I got to several good rows of apples, I set up my tripod and camera and snapped away.
The air was really cool and crisp and the midday sun was blocked by clouds which provided the perfect overcast lighting.
After a few hours, I collected my gear along with about 8 pounds of apples and stepped out onto the main path to head back.
All I saw was a steep incline ahead of me. Ugh.
There’s a big difference between walking downhill with gear and walking uphill with gear… and a bag of heavy apples.
That milking stool came in handy quite a few times on the trek back up.
When I finally got back to my car I was exhausted but also surprisingly refreshed at the same time.
I drove back home smiling, with car windows down, radio blaring… and no news stations on.
It was a great way to spend the day.
It’s amazing what a little fresh mountain air can do…. and a basket of apples.
Pink Lady Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup icing sugar
- 145 grams unsalted butter, cubed
- 4 tablespoon ice water
- 8 peeled, cored Pink Lady Apples
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons corn starch as a thickening agent
- 1/4 cup juice from lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add flour, sugar and butter to food processor and pulse until breadcrumb texture. Slowly add ice water until dough develops into smooth ball.2. Cut in half and wrap each section in plastic wrap and shape into ovals. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.For blind baking. roll half dough on lightly floured surface. 3. Place in pie pan, cover in foil and add baking weights (or rice). Bake in 370 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil and weights and allow to cool.4. Prepare filling by thoroughly mixing chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon corn starch and salt and place in pie dish. 5. Roll remaining dough on lightly-floured surface. Cut dough into 2-inch strips and weave top pie crust.6, Beat one egg and brush over raw pie crust. Sprinkle with granulated or Demerara sugar.7. Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes or until golden brown.8. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream
I have a little confession to make. Over the years, I’ve often made apple pie using canned apple pie filling.
There, I said it.
However, after making this pie with freshly-picked pink lady apples, I’ve had a change of heart.
I think I may never use canned apple pie filling again.
Canned filling may be more convenient but there’s no comparison when it comes to the rich, flavor of fresh apples.
I love the look of a wide pie lattice and these strips are a full 2-inches wide.
Also, I’m not sure I could even make a pie now without adding some sort of decorative element.
If you want to see more about creating these dough cut-work feathers, you can check out my previous feathered pie post HERE.
Happy baking. I’d love to know how your holiday pies turn out.
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy Thanksgiving holiday.
See you back here next time.♥
Oh, I would have loved to join you. We could have huffed and puffed together. You’ve got some beautiful shot nothing like natural light!! And I’ve taken a few short-cuts when it comes to desserts and such. Oh yes, Honey and I have decided to just listen to music and perhaps the Hallmark station. Life is too short to be filled with angst. Sending huge hugs — I certainly hope that one day get to meet in person.
You are so right about that, Marisa.
More fresh air, less bad news.
I didn’t know about the Hallmark station. Is that one of those stations on satellite TV or is it a radio station?
I need to tune in either way-lol.
Happy holidays to you, dear friend.
Glad you had a chance to breathe some fresh air. Next time we chat, I have a friends apple picking story to tell. Your photos are amazing and the last one is award winning.
Thanks so much, Vicki.
OK, now you have my interest really piqued. I’d love to hear your apple picking story.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday too.
Your pie is as beautiful as your photography. Your styling is stunning. Nothing like fresh air to clear your head and make you feel great.
Thank you, Peggy.
I hope you are getting your share of fresh air too.
You’re right. It does help clear the mind and create new positive energy.
Happy holidays to you and your family.
Dear Lisa,your day sounds like perfection. Your pie looks delicious: Photos are stunning.What a well versed artist you are!
I appreciate the sweet sentiment, Laura.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and happy holidays ahead.
Thanks for taking us with you on the walk it was very peaceful and the recipe looks delicious Happy Thanksgiving!
My pleasure, Sandra.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pie and my walk on the mountain.
Happy holidays to you and your family.
What a delightful way to spend the afternoon! That pie is a work of art, and as always, your pictures are something to behold.
Thank you for sharing this breath of fresh air. 😊
Thanks, Barbara.
I’m going to make it a point to do more things that involve getting fresh air for peace and rejuvenation.
So glad you like the pie.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season too.
Your pie looks delicious and pretty to boot! I’ve always used fresh apples because they’re one thing that isn’t a chore to peel haha but I cook mine in a cast iron skillet. The crust turns out amazing every time. I’ve been ill so can’t do walks but I have turned off the news as my way of escaping all the ugliness and sadness. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Karen.
I’m sorry to read that you’re not able to do walks at this time.
I hope that doesn’t keep you from still enjoying the fresh air.
I’m going to have to invest in a good cast iron skillet. My brother has a wonderful, fully-seasoned one but he won’t let me have it-lol.
Gonna have to get my own.
Happy holidays (and apple pie baking) to you.
Lisa….you take apple pie to a whole new level….as I have stated before..you are truly an artist! Now I can feel your pain about the downward climb…ok…that wasn’t so bad…but then, the realization of the upward climb…bad….However, you certainly had a great field trip…fresh air and doing what you love is always the best!….yes, less news more music!….We all need more happy!…and your photographs make us happy!!!….and speaking of happy…Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Lisa!!
Thanks, Shirley. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday too.
I’m really enjoying your updates on the Berry House.
You put so much care and attention into detail decorating that looks natural and so effortless.
Happy holidays.
Once again, your pie is a work of art! I would have never thought of trying pink ladies for a pie. We’ve always only eaten them just fresh. I’m so glad you posted this…pink ladies are wonderful and now a new addition to my baking. Thank you!
Thanks, Barbara.
I didn’t know about Pink Ladies for apple pie either. My mom always recommended Granny Smith’s.
The pie was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised.
Happy holidays to you.