DiY Tutorial: Classic Lattice Top Apple Pie

Please join me in welcoming our newest contributor - the lovely Caroline of Coeur de La.  You can read all about her and her beautiful photography in the about section here.  I'm so happy to have her as a part of our team... as a foodie, photographer and Bay Area local, she is sure to bring a unique perspective to Cake.

Hello, I am Caroline from Coeur de La and I am so happy to be contributing to Cake. I've been an avid reader since the days when this site was known as Birthday Girl so I am thrilled to be here... 

Now, onto the yummy stuff. Pie. Good ole apple pie is one of my favorites. I love the way it tastes, smells, and adore how the main ingredient is apples. However, for the longest time I was so scared and intimidated to make it. I had heard horror stories of making crusts, that apple pie was just too time consuming to make, and really I was simply terrified to make a pie. Silly? Yes! But, it just so happens I got over this fear after visiting one of my favorite apple orchards. The weather was chilly, the apples were gleaming, and I knew I had to put to use all of my bounty. After leaving the orchard I was on a mission to make an apple pie. Luckily, I found this recipe and was completely inspired to make my own. An hour later, while pulsing flour and butter in my food processor, I thought to myself "Wow, this isn't too difficult." And, as I listened to Zaz, one of my favorite French singers, my pie making came together that autumn day in my kitchen. The smells that filled my kitchen reminded me of warm apple cider, chilly autumn mornings, and the holidays. So, with the holidays around the corner, I would love to inspire you to make your own apple pie. Roll up your sleeves, and try that lattice crust because believe me you will inspire yourself. And who doesn't love a good ole' apple pie?  My secret ... keep it simple ... use golden delicious apples. Bon Appetit! 

1. Make your dough and cut it in half.

2. Roll out your dough into two discs, place in the fridge for one hour. While you wait, peel your apples. 

3. With the cores removed, cube your apples.

4. Add brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, flour, a little lemon, and nutmeg to your cubed apples. 

5. Mix your apples with your spices. 

6. Roll out one of your doughs and fit it into your pie pan. Next, fill your pie with the apples. 

7. It's time to make your lattice crust. 

8. Roll out your second crust and with a pie cutter, cut 1/2 inch or smaller vertical ribbon pieces.

9. Start your weaving.

10. This is a bit tricky and I am still perfecting my lattice crust. I swear, youtube videos help. 

11. Bake your pie for 50-60 minutes (all ovens differ) at 400 degrees F. 

12. After your pie has cooled, take a minute and admire your pie. 

13. Serve with milk, coffee, or tea.

14. Eat Pie. 

photos © coeur de la

Classic Apple Pie

Adapted from one of my favorite sites: bread & honey

Ingredients

4-5 cups of Golden Delicious apples, cored & cubed

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, or adjust to your liking

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon all spice

2 tablespoons flour to hold your filling together

2 tablespoons whole milk (I sometimes skip this)

1 tablespoon of butter (you can use two, but I am happy using 1)

2 pie crusts ... and the secret is using this recipe ... pretty much amazing

Follow the pie crust recipe to a T and your crust will come out perfectly

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F

1. Roll out your pie crusts.

2. Place one pie crust into your pie pan, pushing down all sides, making sure that the dough goes up near the top of the pan.

3. In a large bowl, mix the apples, sugars, lemon juice, flour, and spices, and pour into your pie dish.

4. If you choose to, top with milk and butter. Again, this helps hold everything together and makes for a really rich filling.

5. For the lattice crust, there are really no precise tips I can give you other than watch youtube videos and practice. However, roll out one of your doughs and use a pie cutter to cut 1/2 inch vertical ribbons, starting from the middle and working your way out. You will notice they will vary in length. Starting with the longest two, make an x in the middle of your pie. Next, I will probably just confuse you, so find a good youtube video for lattice crusts and start weaving. Once you see it done right and are patient, you won't believe how easy it is. Describing it is a whole other story.

6. Pinch down the edges of your lattice crust, sealing everything in.

7. Place pie in your pre-heated oven for 50-60 minutes ... again all ovens vary.

8. Remove from oven when golden brown, let cool, and enjoy!!

9. Practice makes perfect. You won't believe how quickly you can make a pie after a couple times or so.

10. Bon Appetit!!!