Making an apple pie from scratch is a rewarding endeavor. First, gather the ingredients: apples, sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and eggs. For the filling, use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core and slice 3-4 pounds of apples. Toss with 3⁄4 to 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1⁄2 teaspoon of nutmeg and the juice of half a lemon.
For the crust, mix 2 1⁄2 to 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 4 to 5 tablespoons of ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Divide into two balls, wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Place in a 9-inch pie pan, letting the excess hang over the edge. Add the apple mixture, mounding it higher in the center.
Roll out the top crust and cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape. Place over the filling and seal and crimp the edges. Brush the top with milk or beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake the pie in a preheated 425 F oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350 F and bake 40 to 50 more minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool completely, at least 4 hours, before serving.
A homemade apple pie is meant to be enjoyed. Share it with friends and family and savor a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot coffee or a glass of crisp cider. The classic combination of tender apples, buttery crust and warm spices is a treat for all senses. With some practice, you’ll be turning out perfect pies in no time. Home baking is a skill worth cultivating, and the rewards are oh so sweet. Enjoy!