Nothing Says Happy 4th of July like Apple Pie!

235 years ago today, the Continental Congress announced their separation from England and thus began the history of our great country.

How better to celebrate our freedom than with apple pie?! Here's a recipe adapted from Annie Eats that would even please Johnny Appleseed!

First, start out by making your pie dough (my favorite part of any pie).  If you have a food processor, this is a cinch!  I made this recipe twice and wrapped them separately in saran wrap.  (One for the bottom pie crust, and one for the top.)  You could always just make one recipe and then cut it in half and wrap separately.  Whatever floats you boat.  You will need more than just one recipe though. 

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Begin by placing 1 1/4 cup flour, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt in your processor and give it a few pulses to mix.

Cut in one stick of cold butter until butter pieces are about the size of peas.  Then, with processor on "dough" setting, add 3 tablespoons of ice cold water, one at a time.  Turn off processor when one dough ball forms.

Repeat (unless, of course, you doubled the recipe), and wrap in saran wrap and chill in the freezer while you get the apples ready. 

You'll need 5-6 Granny Smith Apples.  Peel and slice thinly. 

Stir into apples the following ingredients:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• juice from one medium lemon (about 1 Tablespoon)

Now, take one doughball out of freezer, roll out and form to pie plate. Cut of excess on the edges and crimp with your fingers.

Spoon apple mixture (and make sure you get all the juices that have formed) evenly into pie crust. Top with 2-3 Tablespoons butter cut up into small pieces.

Then, roll out the other pie dough ball and start cutting stars.  Or, you could always top lattice-style.  I just liked the patriotic flair of the stars!

 

Make an egg wash by mixing 1 egg with 1 Tablespoon cold water and brush on the top of your stars.

Now, here's the real difference in my recipe and the one I was using as a guide.  The original recipe says to bake for 50-60 minutes.  It took mine 38-40 minutes.  So, depending on your oven, start checking it around 35-40 minutes and cook longer until the top is a nice golden brown.

Isn't it beautiful?!  

Happy Independence Day Everyone!