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1. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **sugar**. This is the base of your crust, which will hold everything together.
2. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some larger chunks of butter.
3. **Add Ice Water**: Slowly add **ice water**, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so be sure to add it gradually. The goal is to have a dough that holds together when pressed.
4. **Chill the Dough**: Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling**
1. **Peel and Slice the Apples**: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, uniform pieces. This helps the apples cook evenly in the pie.
2. **Toss with Sugar and Spices**: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with **granulated sugar**, **brown sugar**, **lemon juice**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, **flour**, **cornstarch**, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. The flour and cornstarch will help thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake.
3. **Let It Rest**: Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the apples to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve.
#### **Step 3: Assemble the Pie**
1. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust**: Take the larger disk of dough out of the refrigerator. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang.
2. **Fill the Pie**: Pour the apple filling into the crust, packing it down gently. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of **butter** to add richness and flavor.
3. **Roll Out the Top Crust**: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can either place a full crust or create a lattice top by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the apples.
4. **Crimp the Edges**: Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together, sealing the pie. Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Pie**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to **425°F (220°C)**.
2. **Apply the Egg Wash**: In a small bowl, whisk together the **egg** and **milk**. Brush this mixture over the top crust, then sprinkle with **coarse sugar** for a golden, slightly crunchy finish.
3. **Bake**: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
4. **Cool**: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to set, so when you slice into it, the apples stay intact rather than oozing out.
### **The Finishing Touch: Serve and Enjoy**
A freshly baked apple pie is always best served warm, but it’s delicious at any temperature. Serve it with a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** or a dollop of **fresh whipped cream** for the ultimate indulgence. Every bite of this apple pie brings you straight into a world of comforting flavors—flaky crust, sweet cinnamon apples, and that perfect buttery richness.
### **Why This Apple Pie Is a Family Tradition**
For me, this recipe is more than just a set of instructions. It’s a way to connect with my grandmother and honor the traditions that she cherished. I remember watching her bake, her hands moving with practiced precision, making everything look effortless. She didn’t just bake pies—she created memories.
Every time I make this **homemade apple pie**, I’m reminded of the love and care she put into everything she made, and I’m able to share that love with my own family. It’s a tradition that continues, and I hope it’s one that you’ll make your own.
### **Final Thoughts**
There’s a reason apple pie is a staple in so many households—it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. But when it comes to **my grandmother’s recipe**, it’s something truly special. This melt-in-your-mouth apple pie is the result of generations of love, patience, and care. It’s the kind of pie that brings people together and makes any moment feel a little sweeter.
So, grab your rolling pin and get baking! I promise, every bite will be a reminder of the wonderful, comforting power of a **homemade apple pie**. Enjoy! 🍏🥧
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