Inspiration for this apple pie struck not lengthy after posting a Shaker lemon pie earlier this yr. I came upon a e-book about Shaker life and design in a used e-book retailer. My head was nonetheless in Shaker world, so I picked it up. It was a big e-book, essentially the most complete I’ve come throughout, and together with total sections about communal life, Shaker instruments, and even a web page about elevating flowers. On the subject of flowers, Shakers historically didn’t develop them for magnificence or ornament, however just for their culinary functions or medicinal makes use of.
Shaker Apple Pie: The Inspiration
I introduced the e-book dwelling with me and continued studying. The account by Sister Marcia’s Bullard (1821-1899) goes on to tell, “rose petals had been gathered and distilled into rose water, which was used medicinally and likewise as a flavoring in cooking.” Very like we use vanilla at the moment. She then says, “rose water was a standard ingredient in Shaker apple pies.” And that was the document scratch for me. An apple and rose scented pie? That sounds wonderful (and it’s!). So right here we’re. Apparently, rose water was an necessary flavoring agent in America previous to the supply of vanilla extracts.
Why I like this Pie
I perceive what folks love about the kind of apple pie that’s common in the US at the moment. They’re large on cinnamon, warming, nostalgic and comfy. This pie is all these issues, minus the warming spices. And since it performs a lovely floral wildcard, beginning now, it would ceaselessly have my coronary heart. That one transfer, one ingredient, adjustments your entire persona of the pie. If you happen to love apple pie, and wish to swap issues up a bit this yr, give this a strive. 
What Type of Apples for Apple Pie?
Honeycrisp apples are nice for pies (and snacking), however they could be a bit tough to discovering sure areas outdoors of peak apple season. Granny Smith apples are ubiquitous and simple to purchase nearly wherever, anytime. Hold your eyes open for pink girl and Braeburn apples as effectively. And you may all the time do a mix of apple sorts. This pie pictured right here was baked with honey crisp apples.
Fundamental Steps to Making an Apple Pie
If that is your first pie, or perhaps you are still gaining confidence on the pie baking entrance, listed below are the large steps and normal course of that goes into making an apple pie.
The 1st step: make the apple pie filling by mixing the elements in a big bowl. No pre-cooking of the apples is critical for this pie.
Step two: roll out backside pie dough and line the pie dish with the crust. (above)
Step three: roll out and make the highest crust. I share tips on how to make this lattice crust beneath this part. Alternately, preserve it easy! Roll out the highest crust right into a full circle and use that, reducing just a few vents previous to baking to permit steam to flee. Seal and crimp.
Step 4: Brush with egg, sprinkle with sugar, chill and bake!
To Make a Lattice Pie Crust
You do not have to make a latticed high for this pie, however you’ll be able to in case you like. This is how:
The 1st step: Roll the pie dough high crust out right into a 12 x 12 form and minimize into 1-inch thick strips (pictured above). My form was too round right here, go for extra of a sq.. 
Step two: Prepare 6-7 strips horizontally on a chunk of parchment paper. Then, beginning within the center, working rapidly with a single strip, make your strips appear like this. (above) Below two, over two, beneath two, at 45 diploma angle.
Step three: Seize one other single strip and do the other subsequent door. So – over two, beneath two, over two. Hold going working outward, alternating. While you’ve used all of your strips switch the crust to the fridge for five minutes or so to set a bit. You’ll slide it off the parchment paper into place on the pie. Trim simply past the sting of the pie dish, crimp or seal, and proceed with the recipe.
What Type of Pie Crust is Greatest?
I’ve baked pies utilizing a spread of crusts through the years, however that is my all-time favourite pie dough now. It’s easy, incorporates all of the tweaks and strategies I’ve experimented with, and leads to a super-flaky all-butter pie crust. It is completely scrumptious. And, for this pie, it bakes up golden and exquisite because of a sugar-crusted egg wash previous to baking. It is also use it frequently for tarts and this deep dish quiche.
I hope you take pleasure in this pie as a lot as I do! You see it server right here with a dollop of whipped cream sweetened with a little bit of sugar.
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