There's something undeniably heartwarming about a freshly baked apple pie. With its flaky crust, succulent filling, and comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen, an apple pie can evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy. Today, we delve into the Ultimate James Martin Apple Pie Recipe that promises to be irresistibly delicious! Letβs embark on a culinary journey that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your family and friends.
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Ingredients You Will Need ππ₯§
To create the ultimate apple pie, you will need a list of carefully selected ingredients. Here's what youβll need:
For the Pastry:
- 250g plain flour π₯
- 125g unsalted butter (cold) π₯©
- 75g icing sugar π¬
- 1 large egg π₯
- Pinch of salt π§
For the Filling:
- 6 medium-sized apples (a mix of tart and sweet) ππ
- 100g sugar (to taste) π
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon πΏ
- Juice of 1 lemon π
- 25g cornflour π½
- 1 tsp vanilla extract π¦
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash) π₯
- Caster sugar for sprinkling π¬
Note:
It's best to use a mix of apples, like Bramley and Cox, to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
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Preparing the Pastry π₯
Making the perfect pastry is vital to achieving a delightful apple pie. Follow these simple steps:
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
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Add the Butter: Cube the cold unsalted butter and add it to the dry mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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Incorporate the Egg: Beat one egg and add it to the mixture. Combine until it forms a dough.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up.
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Preparing the Filling ππ
While the pastry is chilling, it's time to prepare the delicious filling that will make your pie truly irresistible.
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Peel and Slice Apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them evenly. Aim for about 6 cups of apple slices.
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Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, cornflour, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
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Let It Rest: Allow the filling to rest for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the apples release some of their juices.
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Assembling the Pie π₯§
Now that the pastry and filling are ready, itβs time to assemble your pie!
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Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about 3mm thickness. Carefully place it into a 23cm pie dish.
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Fill with Apples: Spoon the apple filling into the pastry-lined pie dish, making sure to distribute it evenly.
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Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
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Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle caster sugar for a beautiful finish.
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Baking Your Apple Pie π½οΈ
Baking your pie to perfection will elevate its taste and texture. Follow these steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F).
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Bake: Place your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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Serving Suggestions π½οΈ
Your ultimate apple pie is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream π¦: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the pie.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce π―: For an indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel over each slice.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar π¬: A simple yet elegant finish that looks great on any dessert table.
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Storage Tips ποΈ
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), hereβs how to store your apple pie:
- At Room Temperature: Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- In the Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For Longer Storage: Freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Important Note:
Reheat your pie in the oven for the best texture when serving leftovers.
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With this Ultimate James Martin Apple Pie Recipe, you can create a delicious dessert that is sure to impress! Your family and friends will be asking for seconds, and youβll have the satisfaction of having made it from scratch. Enjoy baking this delightful treat and savor every delectable slice!