Grandma's Heritage Apple Pie: A Minnesota Tradition

Hello, food lovers! Today, we're diving into a treasured family recipe that's been a staple in Minnesota kitchens for generations. Say hello to Grandma's Heritage Apple Pie. This pie is more than just a dessert – it’s a slice of our culinary heritage that brings back fond memories with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of thinly sliced, peeled baking apples (such as Haralson or Honeycrisp)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie
• 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (optional, for brushing the top crust)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the bottom crust in your pie pan, and let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the sliced apples and toss to coat. Drizzle with lemon juice and give it another gentle toss.

Step 3: Pour the apple mixture into the chilled pie crust. Dot with small pieces of butter.

Step 4: Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few small slits to allow steam to escape. For an extra golden finish, brush the top crust with beaten egg yolk.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.

Serving Tips:

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve slices warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the delightful taste of Minnesota tradition in every slice!