Apple Raisin Pie

🥧 Apple Raisin Pie 🍏🍇

Apple Raisin Pie is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the chewy goodness of raisins, all encased in a flaky pie crust. This classic pie is a delightful treat, especially during the fall season when apples are in abundance.

📜 History:
The history of apple pie dates back centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures and cuisines. The addition of raisins to apple pie likely evolved as a way to enhance the sweetness and texture of the filling. Raisins have been used in various baking traditions for centuries, and their pairing with apples creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

🥧 Components:

1. Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch using flour, butter, salt, and cold water.
2. Apples: Choose firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the filling. You’ll need about 6-8 cups of thinly sliced apples.
3. Raisins: Use about 1/2 to 1 cup of raisins, depending on your preference.
4. Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the filling.
5. Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are commonly used to season the filling.
6. Flour or Cornstarch: This thickens the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
7. Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavors and prevents browning of the apples.
8. Egg Wash: For brushing over the pie crust to give it a golden finish.

📝 Steps to Prepare Apple Raisin Pie:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

   • If making from scratch, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Divide into two portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour (or cornstarch).
   • Combine the spiced sugar mixture with the apples and raisins, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Roll Out the Crust:

   • Roll out one portion of the chilled pie crust on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish.

4. Fill the Pie:

   • Add the apple-raisin filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

5. Top with the Second Crust:

   • Roll out the second portion of the pie crust and place it over the filling.

6. Seal and Vent:

   • Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut slits or create a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

7. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the top crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden color.
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve:

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

⏰ Time Needed:
The preparation and baking time for Apple Raisin Pie can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparation, baking, and cooling time.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Raisin Pie! 🥧🍎🍇😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving (1/8th of a 9-inch pie) of Apple Raisin Pie:

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 320-350 calories per serving.
• Total Fat: 10-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-25 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 55-65 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
  • Sugars: 30-35 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Vitamin C: 5-10% of the daily recommended intake (DRI)
• Calcium: 1-2% of DRI
• Iron: 2-3% of DRI

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe used. The calorie count can be higher if more sugar or butter is used in the recipe. Additionally, serving size and the type of crust (store-bought vs. homemade) can affect the nutritional content.

Health Information:

• Apple Raisin Pie, like many desserts, is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
• It is relatively high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat due to the butter and sugar content in the filling and crust.
• Apples provide dietary fiber and some vitamin C, which can be beneficial for digestion and immune support.
• Raisins add natural sweetness and can provide some iron and antioxidants.
• While this pie contains fruit, it is still considered a dessert and should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrients.
• To make it slightly healthier, you can consider reducing the amount of sugar and butter in the filling and opting for a whole wheat pie crust for added fiber.

Remember to enjoy Apple Raisin Pie as an occasional indulgence and balance it with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall health.