Sunday, March 30, 2008

Apple Pie....Round Two

Around Thanksgiving I tried my hand at making apple pie. The pie turned out well, the filling was wonderful but the crust left something to be desired. I added apple pie back to my list to give another go round which I had the opportunity to do Saturday.

The recipe I tried this weekend is from Baking Illustrated. The crust is made with butter and shortening which I think made a big difference, the crust was great. Had a butter flavor and flaky texture.


The filling I think is where this recipe falls short. The recipe warns that they sacrifice appearance for taste, so this I expected. However the filling had way too much liquid, I believe this is due to not macerating the fruit as the recipe suggests. Also, the choice of Macintosh & Granny Smith apples in the recipe made the filling a bit bitter.




I would really like to become good at making pies so I have decided to make them my next challenge. I think I have found a great crust recipe in this go round, but still need to work on the filling. I will also try other flavors as well, any suggestions?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well...you could choose your fillings on a seasonal basis. I think peaches and blueberries make nice pies and you could make them when that particular fruit is at it's peak flavor (and price)! Check this out: www.fruitseasons.com
Can't wait to try these!!
Traci

Down on the Farm said...

I have found that my best crust is made with a blender. Really! And so very easy. I realize that you mentioned that your second pie had a better crust but just in case you are willing to try it, the following is the recipe.

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup shortening
5-6 Tbsp cold water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
Place plastic mixing blade into mixing container. Place all the ingredients except the water in the food processor and blend until fine crumbs are formed. Add the water a little at a time through feed tube until the dough is sufficiently moist to form into a ball. Stop, unplug unit and romove dough. Flatten on lightly floured surface by pressing with edge of hand 3 times across in both directions. Roll from center to edge till 1/8 inch thick.

This is copied from my Sunbeam Food processor instruction/recipe book. I won first prize at my church in Phoenix with the above recipe.........Connie

Down on the Farm said...

So, So, Sorry: I mean't food processer. Not blender. Forgive me, I am OLD< OLD> OLD> and get mixed up sometimes. Connie