Alex S Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients for Alex S Old Fashioned Apple Pie

• Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Leaf Lard
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water
• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• Brown Sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Clove
• Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Alex S Old Fashioned Apple Pie

1. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and salt.
2. **Cut in Fat:** Cut the chilled butter and lard into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add Water:** Gradually add ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. **Chill Dough:** Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
6. **Roll Out Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle.
7. **Assemble Pie:** Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
8. **Prepare Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat.
9. **Fill Pie:** Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
10. **Top with Butter and Flavor:** Dot the filling with 4 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle with lemon zest (if using) and vanilla extract.
11. **Add Top Crust:** Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
12. **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle the top crust with cinnamon sugar.
13. **Bake:** Bake for 10 minutes at 450°F (232°C).
14. **Reduce Heat:** Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
15. **Cool:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.