Classic American Apple Pie

There is nothing like smelling a baking apple pie.  This classic American dessert is best made with a homemade crust and crisp apples straight from the farm. If you have the opportunity, buy your apples from a farmer's market or even go apple picking at a local apple orchard.  Those apples will have the best flavor and texture. I prefer using Granny Smith apples because they don't breakdown as much during the baking process compared to other apple varieties.  Apple pie is perfect on its own but I like a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Homemade Apple Pie

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1 tsp. Cinnamon

Dash of Nutmeg

1 tablespoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Reduce temperature and let simmer.

Place the bottom crust in your pan. Brush with egg whites to prevent a soggy crust. Gently mix the apples with sugar and butter liquid (save enough to glaze the top crust). Fill the crust with apple mixture, mounded slightly. Cover with a latticework crust. Glaze top with remaining liquid.

Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.