Apple Blush Pie

🥧 Apple Blush Pie 🍎

Apple Blush Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, resulting in a flavorful and visually appealing treat. It’s the perfect way to showcase the beauty and taste of fall fruits.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Apple Blush Pie is unclear, but it likely emerged as a creative twist on traditional apple pie recipes. It embraces the essence of autumn with the use of apples, a quintessential fall fruit, and cranberries, which are in season during the same period.

🥧 Components:

• Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch using flour, butter, salt, and water.
• Filling: The filling typically consists of sliced apples (often Granny Smith for their tartness), fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken the juices.
• Topping: Some variations include a crumb topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and oats. Alternatively, you can use a traditional pastry top crust.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

   • If using a store-bought crust, follow the instructions on the package.
   • For homemade crust, combine flour and salt, then cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water and form the dough into a disk. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples.
   • In a bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.

3. Roll Out the Crust:

   • Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.

4. Assemble the Pie:

   • Place the rolled-out crust in your pie dish.
   • Add the apple-cranberry filling.

5. Top the Pie:

   • If using a top crust, cover the filling with another layer of pie crust. Seal the edges and cut a few slits in the top for venting.
   • Alternatively, if using a crumb topping, sprinkle it evenly over the filling.

6. Bake the Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake the pie for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

⏰ Time Needed:
The preparation and baking of an Apple Blush Pie typically take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes crust preparation, filling assembly, and baking time. However, keep in mind that cooling time is additional. You may want to allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Blush Pie! 🥧🍂🍎

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Blush Pie:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 300-400 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Cholesterol: 0-20mg
• Sodium: 150-250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 25-35g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Vitamin C: 8-12% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2-4% DV
• Iron: 4-6% DV

Health Information:

• Moderate Calories: Apple Blush Pie is moderately calorie-dense due to the combination of the pie crust and sugars in the filling. Portion control is important if you’re watching your calorie intake.

• Healthy Fruits: Apples and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber. They contribute to the pie’s nutritional value.

• Fiber: The pie contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full. Fiber is also beneficial for heart health.

• Added Sugars: The sugar content in the pie comes from both the natural sugars in the fruits and added sugars. Be mindful of added sugars, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are managing blood sugar levels.

• Fat Content: The fat content mainly comes from the pie crust, which is typically made with butter or shortening. While fats are essential in moderation, it’s important not to overindulge.

• Vitamins: The pie provides a small amount of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

• Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is beneficial for those watching their salt intake.

• Enjoy in Moderation: Apple Blush Pie is a delicious treat, but like most desserts, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consider healthier crust and sugar alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter version.

Remember that these nutrition facts can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Adjustments like using whole-grain crust or reducing sugar can make the pie a healthier option.