The “No Grief Paper Bag Apple Pie” recipe is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, promising tender fruit and a perfectly baked crust, all while keeping your oven clean. Originating from an old church cookbook, this method involves baking the pie inside a paper bag, ensuring even baking without the risk of burnt crusts or messy spills in your oven.
Ingredients:
- Pie Crust: The recipe calls for the “Most Incredible No Fail Pie Crust,” ensuring a flaky and delicious base for your pie.
- Tart Apples: You’ll need about 6 tart apples, which hold their shape well and provide a slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements of the pie.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to sweeten the filling and topping, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Flour: Used in both the filling and topping, flour helps thicken the apple juices and creates a crumbly topping when combined with butter.
- Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the apples wonderfully.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- Butter: Used in the topping to create a buttery crumb.
- Brown Paper Bag: The unique element of this recipe is baking the pie inside a brown paper bag, which helps regulate the heat and moisture, resulting in a perfectly baked pie.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Each serving of this pie provides approximately 402.4 calories, making it a satisfying dessert option.
- Fat: With 19.3 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the butter in the crust and topping, it offers a rich and indulgent experience.
- Carbohydrates: High in carbohydrates at 57.2 grams per serving, mostly from the sugars and flour, providing energy and sweetness.
- Fiber: Contains 3.5 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health.
- Protein: A modest 2.8 grams of protein per serving, typical for a dessert.
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare the Filling: Mix together sliced tart apples, sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl until the apples are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into an unbaked pie shell.
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Prepare the Topping: Combine flour and sugar, then cut in butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples in the pie shell, patting it down gently around the edges.
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Prepare the Paper Bag: Carefully slide the pie into a brown paper bag, folding the end under the pie plate to secure it. Place the bagged pie on a cookie sheet for stability.
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Bake the Pie: Place the cookie sheet with the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before carefully removing it from the bag. This unique baking method ensures no burnt crust, perfectly cooked apples, and no messy spills in your oven.
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Serve: Slice and serve your “No Grief Paper Bag Apple Pie” warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Additional Tips:
- Choosing Apples: Opt for tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor in your pie.
- Paper Bag Safety: Ensure the paper bag used is clean and food-safe. Avoid using bags with printing or labels, as they may contain inks that could transfer to your food.
- Variations: Experiment with different fruit combinations or spices to customize this recipe to your taste. Pears or a mix of apples and berries can be delightful alternatives.
Conclusion:
This recipe not only delivers a delicious apple pie but also introduces a unique baking technique that ensures consistent results and a clean oven. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat, the “No Grief Paper Bag Apple Pie” combines ease of preparation with exceptional flavor. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the comforting flavors of warm apples and buttery crust with every bite.
