Inspiration for this apple pie struck not lengthy after posting a Shaker lemon pie earlier this yr. I came across a ebook about Shaker life and design in a used ebook retailer. My head was nonetheless in Shaker world, so I picked it up. It was a big ebook, probably the most complete I’ve come throughout, and together with whole sections about communal life, Shaker instruments, and even a web page about elevating flowers. On the subject of flowers, Shakers historically didn’t develop them for magnificence or ornament, however just for their culinary functions or medicinal makes use of.
Shaker Apple Pie: The Inspiration
I introduced the ebook dwelling with me and continued studying. The account by Sister Marcia’s Bullard (1821-1899) goes on to tell, “rose petals have been gathered and distilled into rose water, which was used medicinally and likewise as a flavoring in cooking.” Very like we use vanilla at the moment. She then says, “rose water was a standard ingredient in Shaker apple pies.” And that was the file scratch for me. An apple and rose scented pie? That sounds wonderful (and it’s!). So right here we’re. Apparently, rose water was an essential flavoring agent in America previous to the supply of vanilla extracts.
Why I really like this Pie
I perceive what folks love about the kind of apple pie that’s common in the USA at the moment. They’re massive on cinnamon, warming, nostalgic and comfortable. This pie is all these issues, minus the warming spices. And since it performs a good looking floral wildcard, beginning now, it’ll perpetually have my coronary heart. That one transfer, one ingredient, modifications the complete persona of the pie. In case you love apple pie, and need to change issues up a bit this yr, give this a attempt. 
What Type of Apples for Apple Pie?
Honeycrisp apples are nice for pies (and snacking), however they could be a bit tough to discovering sure areas exterior of peak apple season. Granny Smith apples are ubiquitous and simple to purchase nearly wherever, anytime. Maintain your eyes open for pink woman and Braeburn apples as effectively. And you’ll all the time do a mix of apple varieties. This pie pictured right here was baked with honey crisp apples.
Primary Steps to Making an Apple Pie
If that is your first pie, or possibly you are still gaining confidence on the pie baking entrance, listed here are the massive steps and common course of that goes into making an apple pie.
The first step: make the apple pie filling by mixing the substances in a big bowl. No pre-cooking of the apples is important for this pie.
Step two: roll out backside pie dough and line the pie dish with the crust. (above)
Step three: roll out and make the highest crust. I share the way to make this lattice crust under this part. Alternately, maintain it easy! Roll out the highest crust right into a full circle and use that, slicing a number of vents previous to baking to permit steam to flee. Seal and crimp.
Step 4: Brush with egg, sprinkle with sugar, chill and bake!
To Make a Lattice Pie Crust
You do not have to make a latticed high for this pie, however you possibly can when you like. Here is how:
The first step: Roll the pie dough high crust out right into a 12 x 12 form and lower into 1-inch thick strips (pictured above). My form was too round right here, go for extra of a sq.. 
Step two: Prepare 6-7 strips horizontally on a bit of parchment paper. Then, beginning within the center, working shortly with a single strip, make your strips appear to be this. (above) Below two, over two, beneath two, at 45 diploma angle.
Step three: Seize one other single strip and do the alternative subsequent door. So – over two, beneath two, over two. Maintain going working outward, alternating. Once you’ve used all of your strips switch the crust to the fridge for five minutes or so to set a bit. You can slide it off the parchment paper into place on the pie. Trim simply past the sting of the pie dish, crimp or seal, and proceed with the recipe.
What Type of Pie Crust is Finest?
I’ve baked pies utilizing a spread of crusts through the years, however that is my all-time favourite pie dough now. It’s easy, incorporates all of the tweaks and strategies I’ve experimented with, and leads to a super-flaky all-butter pie crust. It is completely scrumptious. And, for this pie, it bakes up golden and delightful due to a sugar-crusted egg wash previous to baking. It is also use it commonly for tarts and this deep dish quiche.
I hope you take pleasure in this pie as a lot as I do! You see it server right here with a dollop of whipped cream sweetened with a little bit of sugar.
Extra Pie Recipes
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