Grandma's Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Grandma's Homemade Apple Pie

We can't wait for the 4th of July! Burgers on the grill, fireworks, and friends and family gathered in celebration. What could be more perfect than ending the day with a slice of homemade apple pie? For this blog post, we've invited our project manager, Mataya, to share a cherished family tradition, her family's exceptional apple pie recipe. I can personally vouch that this pie is absolutely delicious!  Check out her story and recipe below. 

Growing up we had an apple tree. For as long as I can remember, special occasions were marked by homemade apple pie. My sister and I would help Mom slice and peel the apples, making sure to "test" a few. By the end we were covered in flour, giggly from too many sugared apples, and completely immersed in the love of our family. It is a tradition that I have carried on with my two children. It is hard to believe they are now grown. My oldest son recently got married, and before long I am sure he will start a family of his own. I can only hope that one day my boys will teach their kids how to make Grandma's Apple Pie! 

One of the things that I appreciate about working for Dino and Lisa is their commitment to the team and making us feel like family. When you start working for Rachiele, one of the first questions they ask is, "What is your favorite cake?" In fact, it's a question on the job application! On our birthdays, we gather in the office, where Lisa has arranged to have the birthday guest of honor's favorite cake on hand. We sing, laugh, and genuinely enjoy spending time together. 

Recently the birthday guest of honor requested apple pie. I asked Lisa if she would be willing to let me make it. Sharing an old tradition with a new group of friends brought me great joy. My homemade pies are now a new team favorite. For those of you who've had lifelong family recipes, you know that measurements aren't always exact. It is a handful of this or a pinch of that. I will do my best to share our family recipe with you. 

Ingredients

For the Crusts: 3 cups all-purpose flour—divided (plus more for the apples and dusting the countertop) 1 1/4 cup shortening—divided (I use Crisco sticks)1 teaspoon salt—divided Ice-cold water

For the Filling: 7-8 Granny Smith Apples (the more sour the apples, the sweeter the pie!) 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon of flour 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Peel, cut, and slice all the apples and place them in a bowl in the fridge. Keeping the apples in the fridge until you are ready for them keeps them crisp. 

For the first crust, combine 1 1/2 c. flour and 1/2 c. plus 2 tablespoons shortening and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the shortening into the flour until small, pea-sized bits of shortening remain. Pour small amounts of ice-cold water into the bowl and combine with a fork. The water amount will depend on the flour combination but usually a little less than 1/4 cup. Work into a ball of dough. Turn onto a baking mat, counter, or plastic wrap dusted in flour. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out in a circle. Gently place the crust in a 9 inch pie tin.

Make the second crust by repeating the above steps. Once you have rolled out the second crust, leave it on the counter and prepare the apples. 

In a small bowl combine sugar, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of flour. The flour is important because it helps to thicken the juices. Pour over the apples and toss till the apples are equally coated. Pour the apples into the prepared pie tin. 

Slice small pats of butter and place them on top of the apples. 

Gently place the second crust on top of the apples and pinch the edges of the top crust and bottom crust together. Mix up some extra cinnamon sugar to sprinkle over the top and cut a couple of vent holes in the crust. 

Put the top rack in the center of the oven. Place sheets of tin foil on the bottom rack to catch the drips. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

Place the pie in the middle of the oven and bake for around an hour. I wish I could give you an exact time, but it will depend on the density of your apples. You will know it's done when the juices start to bubble over and the crust is a nice golden brown. Be patient! Wait for the juices to bubble, or your pie will be runny. 

Please know that these measurements may not be exact. If you like more cinnamon, add more cinnamon. If you have never made homemade crust before, be kind to yourself! Three simple ingredients can be incredibly frustrating. It may be too crumbly or break. It has taken me a lifetime to master, and I still make mistakes. Hang in there. It's worth it! I hope you have as much fun making memories with your family as I did! 

Mataya Gurley