“Dottie’s Apple Pie” Recipe As Fall Begins….

Can it be….I feel a chill in the air! The leaves are starting to fall, and the kiddies are back in school. This means only one thing, that Fall has turned the corner. The first day of autumn was last Sunday, the Autumnal Equinox. It is so hard to believe that the summer went by so fast and here we are in the fall season. I think as the years go by, time gets shorter, especially when we are getting older.

When it gets cooler, I love to open the windows and just be able to breathe the crisp air that comes at this time of year. To me this is a magical season. Pumpkins, Apples, Indian corn, and Gourds are all around us. The colors of the leaves, with its gold, red, and green hues that are so brilliant it is like a kaleidoscope of colors. The hustle and bustle of the approaching holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my favorite of all, Christmas. The chill in the air means sweaters, jackets, and rosy cheeks on children’s faces from playing outside in the leaves. As you look inside the windows of the houses, you can see families cooking, fireplaces lit, and you get the feeling of a warm cozy home. Cooking hearty meals, such as stews, soups, baked bread, and apple pies are all aromas that enhance your senses that fall is here. As you take a brisk walk in the nippy air you can see pumpkins, wreaths, and scarecrows decorating the houses on the blocks. To me fall is also a time to be thankful for your family and your friends. So, now that you know what autumn means to me, come along and let us explore the “Apple.”

Apples are one of the few fruits you can find fresh any time of the year, especially September through November. However, to me the apple is the one fruit that I associate with fall more than any other. Apples are America’s favorite fruit. The state of Washington grows the most apples followed by New York, and then Michigan. This is a perfect time of the year to head on out to an apple orchard and pick your own apples for a pie, Applesauce, or even baked apples. But to me the best way is to pick one off of the tree and try it. There is nothing like the crisp, cool, crunch you hear as you take a bite of this juicy, sweet piece of fruit. Today we have numerous varieties of apples to choose from. Some are best to eat while others are best for cooking and baking. You must have heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This saying comes from an old English adage, “To eat an apple before going to bed, will make the doctor beg for his bread.” 

My son Paul, when he was young
at Maskers Orchard

I remember when I was about 11 or so, my parents would take the family and drive to Maskers Apple Orchard in upstate New York, for a fun afternoon of apple picking. We would run and find a spot so we could pick the apples from the trees and put them in a big bushel.  My mom would make us lunch, and we were allowed to picnic on the grounds in-between the apple trees. It was wonderful, especially on a crisp day. The orchard had a Country Store that we would visit at the end of the day. As we entered the store the aromas that would encircle our heads were like a bit of heaven. The shelves held home made jams, jellies, honey, and candy apples. They also sold baked goods, like home made breads, cakes, and pies. Driving back home with the car filled with apples and goodies, I always thought that this was one of my favorite memories with my family. When I had my son, many years later, I continued the tradition of going apple picking at Maskers Orchards and now my son will have memories like I did.  

So, in honor of the beginning of Fall, I am sharing with you my “Apple Pie” recipe. This pie is a favorite among my family and friends. After years of making this scrumptious pie, I have perfected its fruity richness,, and I’m sure it will be very pleasing to your taste buds. Enjoy and make memories!

"Dottie’s Apple Pie"

Ingredients:
8-10 apples (Macintosh and 2 Granny Smith)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 recipe of Pillsbury™ Pie Crust (just unroll)
(You can make your own crust, but this is a time saver) 
Secret ingredient is a dash of fresh Nutmeg 

"Dottie's Apple Pie"

Directions:
Pare and slice apples very, very thin. Sift dry ingredients together and mix with apples. Line pie pan (9 inch glass or aluminum pie tin) with the pastry crust. Fill with apple mixture, dot with butter before putting on top crust. Then put top crust on the pie. Crimp edges, cut three slits in top of pie or use a pie stencil. Brush pie with milk, cream, or egg wash. Then sprinkle the pie top with some granulated sugar before baking. Bake in a very HOT oven 450 ° for the first 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 ° for the next 45 minutes or longer till golden brown. Put pie on lined cookie pan, (foil or parchment paper) so if any drippings come out from the pie, it will be easier for clean up.      

Till Next Time………..


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