And now for the truth: Its a Pilsbury crust that I attacked with a tiny leaf-shaped cookie cutter. And you know what? It was damn good and only took me 20 minutes to assemble — and half of that was spent peeling and cutting the apples. So I’m not apologizing. Go to H-E-double-hockey-sticks Martha!
In all seriousneess though, this pie was really tasty and a little bit different than your average, everyday apple pie. This one is Apple-Cranberry…with just a hint of brandy. Mildly sweet with hints of tartness and lots of vanilla. Just different enough to be memorable. I copied the filling recipe almost verbatim from a recipe posted by Elise from Simply Recipes. Take a visit to her site for the info.
The Simply Recipes version calls for an absolutely amazing-sounding homemade pie crust using ground almonds. I’m sure its fantastic, but since I was already making a 3-course dinner for four of my friends that day….it was box crust all the way.
As I’ve stated before, though I can make a darn-good homemade from-scratch pie crust, I’m not above the box. The Pilsbury version is so flaky and it always comes out perfect and golden…and eliminates the flour-covered/rolling-pin production.
Of course, if you’re me the convenience factor is nearly completely negated by the ensuing bought of box-crust guilt. I find the easiest way to quiet the meniacle dough-boy voices in my head (“Hee Hee! You FAKER), is to give the pie a little something “extra” by decorating the crust in a unique way. This is SO simple and has a huge impact. All you need is a small cookie cutter — about a half-inch or so large (especially effective if it has a seasonal theme…fall leaves, apples, holly leaves, hearts, etc).
Use it to create a design in the top crust as a replacement for where you would normally cut holes for “vents.” Then take the cut-out shapes and place them back on the top of the pie in a pretty design. Use some egg wash to secure them to the rest of the crust. People will really think you’re an artist! Just smile and say “Thank you” (shut up Martha and crazy Pilsbury Dough Boy!).
Love the cutouts! Also, there is no shame in prefab crusts! If I weren’t so obsessed with my pastry blender, I probably would never make pie crust.Also, I’m kind of in love with that show. It’s hilarious!
Love the cutouts! Also, there is no shame in prefab crusts! If I weren’t so obsessed with my pastry blender, I probably would never make pie crust.Also, I’m kind of in love with that show. It’s hilarious!
Ohhh that does look delicious. I have not yet attempted a homemade pie crust, it frightens me. I also think I overfill them because I always seem to make a mess. I cannot wait to attempt this pie though, maybe I’ll make it for Thanksgiving. I will have to do a trial run first 🙂
Ohhh that does look delicious. I have not yet attempted a homemade pie crust, it frightens me. I also think I overfill them because I always seem to make a mess. I cannot wait to attempt this pie though, maybe I’ll make it for Thanksgiving. I will have to do a trial run first 🙂
I LOVE pie. Love it. this looks very tastey.
ummm..I didn’t even know I had Fine Living TV! I just set my DVR to tape Whatever Martha!
ummm..I didn’t even know I had Fine Living TV! I just set my DVR to tape Whatever Martha!
No worries, that is a delicious pie!
No worries, that is a delicious pie!
Don’t feel bad about the homemade crust – I’ll let you in on a REALLY BIG secret: we BUY our pies on Thanksgiving. We get them from a local farm, and they’re amazing and it’s great to have one less thing that needs the oven on turkey day.
Don’t feel bad about the homemade crust – I’ll let you in on a REALLY BIG secret: we BUY our pies on Thanksgiving. We get them from a local farm, and they’re amazing and it’s great to have one less thing that needs the oven on turkey day.