π₯§π Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie ππ₯§
What is it?
Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a buttery, flaky pie crust. It’s a beloved American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving to a simple Sunday family dinner.
History:
The history of apple pie in America dates back to the early European settlers, who brought apple seeds and recipes for pies with them. Over time, it became an iconic American dessert, often associated with homey, comforting flavors and a symbol of American culinary tradition.
Components:
- Pie Crust: You’ll need a double pie crust, typically made from flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and cold water. The crust provides the base and top for the pie.
- Apples: You’ll need a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, for a well-balanced flavor. They should be peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to sweeten the filling.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt are often added for that quintessential apple pie spice blend.
- Lemon Juice: To enhance the apple flavor and prevent browning.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the pie filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Crust: Start by making or purchasing your pie crust. Roll out half of the dough to line a pie dish, and set the other half aside for the top crust. Refrigerate both crusts while you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
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Assemble the Pie: Take the pie dish with the bottom crust and fill it with the apple mixture. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter.
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Top with Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
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Ventilation: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Optionally, you can create a decorative pattern.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake for about 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
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Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least a couple of hours. This helps the filling set.
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Serve: Slice the Ultimate Apple Pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 30-40 minutes
- Baking: 45-55 minutes
- Cooling: 2 hours
In total, you should budget around 3-3.5 hours for Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie from start to finish. But remember, the delicious result is worth every minute! π₯§π Enjoy!
Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 320-400 kcal (depending on slice size)
- Total Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 7-10g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
Health Information:
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Calories: Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie is moderately calorie-dense, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Total Fat: The pie contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the butter in the crust and filling. While fat adds to the deliciousness of the pie, be mindful of your fat intake, especially saturated fat.
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Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively low, making it a better choice compared to some other high-cholesterol desserts.
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Sodium: The sodium content is moderate and shouldn’t be a concern unless you have specific dietary restrictions.
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Carbohydrates: The majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, mainly sugars and starches from the apples and crust. This makes it a carb-rich dessert, which can provide quick energy but should be balanced with your overall carb intake.
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Dietary Fiber: While the pie contains some dietary fiber from the apples, it’s not a significant source. Consider adding a scoop of whole-grain vanilla ice cream for added fiber.
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Sugars: The sugars in the pie primarily come from the apples and added sugars. It’s a sweet dessert, so it’s wise to watch your sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
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Protein: The pie provides only a small amount of protein. To balance your meal, consider having a source of protein with your dessert.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apples in the pie provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and some minerals like potassium. However, the pie is not a significant source of these nutrients.
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Portion Control: Enjoy Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate Apple Pie as an occasional treat. Be mindful of portion sizes, and consider adding healthier elements like a side of yogurt or fresh fruit to make it a more balanced dessert.
Remember that the nutrition values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size, so it’s a good idea to use a nutrition calculator or consult a registered dietitian for precise information tailored to your dietary needs. Enjoy your pie in moderation, savoring each delicious bite! π₯§π