October 11, 2011

Apples, Apples, Apples!

Oh gosh, never mind the Campbell's. I bought them and never used them and am ashamed to have over-sodiumed canned soup in my pantry.
On the very first day of October I joined my mom and grandmother on their trip to go get apples from a neighboring town.

What I came back with was about 32 pounds of apples - A big box of Empires, a large bag of Jonagolds and a small bag of Braeburns.

The following Thursday we canned apples and my one box made 12 quart jars of beautiful appley-goodness to put up.

We have been enjoying apples for snacks, stewed apples with dinner (apples simmered in a bit of butter and spices) and of course....


Apple Pie!! I don't know why, but I was so scared to make a pie this year. I haven't made an apple pie in over two years. I've made plenty of chicken pot pie, so it didn't make sense. But my crust never turns out quite right and for some reason Apple Pie just needed to be perfect.

Well. I'm just gonna toot my own horn here for a second and tell you this crust turned out AMAZING. Hehe. I knew it was good when Ben started cutting into it and it made the most delicious, crispy, flaky sound I've ever heard. We both kind of stopped and giggled about it.

The trick I finally found? Once you cut in your fats you add the water in while fluffing the dough with a fork. Not a spoon, like I've done. Not mixing it with your hands, like I've done. Fluff with a fork so there's as little smushing as possible. Now, the sad part is the Betty Crocker recipe I've been using for years actually says this, but since when do I listen, eh? Teach me... Do it like it says next time. Turned. Out. Perfect.

The only problem with the trip is I wish Ben could have gone (working) and I had gotten more to put up (trying not to be greedy/overwhelm myself). But I think I might just go back and get more.... ;)

Happy Tuesday,
Meg

10 comments:

Kessie said...

Man, that's a lot of apples! That pie looks totally delicious, too. Isn't food just extra-wonderful when you're pregnant?

Rachel said...

Joe and I went and got fujis Sunday, but I have yet to eat them. Although, if my strudel goes well tonight I'll be needing some more, so lemme know and hopefully we'll get to go with you this next time!
Ooooh and maybe do the preggo shoot while we're at it.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Your jars look amazing and so does the the pie. The crust browned so nicely. I went apple picking on Saturday and got 1/2 a bushel. Mostly, Honey Crisps, Gala. Macintosh, Macouns and Courtland. I love apple picking.

MarmePurl said...

How nice to meet you. Your apple cans are so lovely. Doesn't it feel so good to have them in your pantry?

Farm Girl said...

Lovely apples, you know what get one of those pie crust deals from Pampered chief. Mine is really Kessies but oh my gosh, perfect every time.
I should I guess get my own and give Kessie hers. Forks work good too. You know I am not a kitchen gadget person so you would be surprised because I always liked forks best.

myletterstoemily said...

because my mother is a master pie baker,
i am terrified of making them. it kills me
when the crust doesn't turn out right.

you have taught me something very
important: read the directions. dang.

no spring chicken said...

Our houses seem to have a similarity this week... I'll bet they have a similar fragrance too!

Blessings, Debbie

Lynn said...

Your pie looks so good, Meg. I am always reluctant to make pie crust myself, I don't know why. It usually turns out fine. But somehow it just seems intimidating. I made an apple pie a few days ago with grated apples and lemon peel -- it's kind of interesting, because the texture of the grated apples makes me think I'm eating coconut. But I did cheat and use store-bought crust ;) Thanks for sharing this, and your pie crust tip.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

I laughed out loud at the reading the directions part. {sigh} So true for many things. I will definitely try this method for the crust. It sounds quite scrumptious. I just love the smell of apple pie baking and am dreaming of it right now. I'll add this to my "to do" list for this weekend. You're canned apples look beautiful. Isn't it so hard to use canned items? I love seeing them lined up on the shelves. :-)

Allison said...

The looming question is (and has been for 20 years)... how do you transfer the rolled out dough into the pan without breaking it? Arg!

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