Inspiration for this apple pie struck not lengthy after posting a Shaker lemon pie earlier this 12 months. I came upon a guide about Shaker life and design in a used guide retailer. My head was nonetheless in Shaker world, so I picked it up. It was a big guide, 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 guide 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 right this moment. She then says, “rose water was a conventional ingredient in Shaker apple pies.” And that was the report 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 essential flavoring agent in America previous to the provision of vanilla extracts.
Why I like this Pie
I perceive what folks love about the kind of apple pie that’s in style in the USA right this moment. They’re massive on cinnamon, warming, nostalgic and comfortable. This pie is all these issues, minus the warming spices. And since it performs an exquisite floral wildcard, beginning now, it’s going to perpetually have my coronary heart. That one transfer, one ingredient, modifications your complete persona of the pie. Should you love apple pie, and wish to change issues up a bit this 12 months, give this a attempt. 
What Sort of Apples for Apple Pie?
Honeycrisp apples are nice for pies (and snacking), however they could be a bit difficult to discovering sure areas outdoors of peak apple season. Granny Smith apples are ubiquitous and simple to purchase nearly anyplace, anytime. Maintain your eyes open for pink woman and Braeburn apples as properly. 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 here 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 make this lattice crust under 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 prime for this pie, however you’ll be able to when you like. Here is how:
The 1st step: Roll the pie dough prime crust out right into a 12 x 12 form and lower 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 bit of parchment paper. Then, beginning within the center, working rapidly with a single strip, make your strips seem like this. (above) Underneath two, over two, below two, at 45 diploma angle.
Step three: Seize one other single strip and do the alternative subsequent door. So – over two, below two, over two. Maintain going working outward, alternating. Once you’ve used all of your strips switch the crust to the fridge for five minutes or so to set a bit. You can 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 Sort of Pie Crust is Greatest?
I’ve baked pies utilizing a spread of crusts over time, however that is my all-time favourite pie dough now. It’s easy, incorporates all of the tweaks and methods I’ve experimented with, and ends in a super-flaky all-butter pie crust. It is completely scrumptious. And, for this pie, it bakes up golden and delightful because of a sugar-crusted egg wash previous to baking. It is also use it usually 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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