American Apple Pie

Ingredients for 12 servings:

• 250 g flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 40 g sugar
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 180 g butter, cold
• 5 tbsp milk
• Fat for the mold
• 1 kg apples, sour (Braeburn are good)
• ½ lemon(s)
• 100 g sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch(s) nutmeg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp milk

Instructions

Working time approx. 45 minutes; Rest time approx. 40 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 45 minutes; Total time approx. 2 hours 10 minutes

Gradually knead the dough ingredients together well, then cover with cling film and chill for 40 minutes. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Peel and slice the apples. Drizzle with lemon juice, otherwise they’ll brown quickly (it also provides a nice contrast to the sweetness). Mix the remaining filling ingredients in a bowl, but don’t fold in the apples until just before filling. Divide the dough in half and roll out both halves until large enough to extend slightly over the baking dish (e.g., a tart or quiche dish). Place the crust in the greased dish and press down lightly. Mix the apples with the spices and pour the mixture onto the crust. Place the second rolled-out half of the dough over the apples and press it into the crust (you can find beautiful patterns for special pie crusts online). Score the top of the dough so the air can escape during baking. Mix the egg yolk and milk and brush it over the pie. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 40-45 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Tip: To help the rolled-out dough settle into the pan, I lightly flour the surface, fold it in half, flour it again, and fold it into a quarter. This way, it’s easy to lift without tearing, and you can unfold it again in the pan without it sticking.