How to Bake an Apple Pie

You can find many wonderful apple pie recipes in books, on the Internet or from family and friends. They all have the same basic ingredients.

Before preparing the filling, we need to make a nice flaky pie crust. You will need 3 cups of flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt (optional), 1 cup of shortening (lard) and 2/3 cups of cold water. Most people agree that Crisco is the best shortening; however, for an even flakier crust use 1/2 cup Crisco and 1/2 cup butter or margarine.

Mix the flour, sugar and shortening first, then sprinkle in the water. Mix it just enough until the mixture is in pieces the size of a pea or walnut; do not over mix. If you have the time, chill in fridge for 1/2 hour. Then roll the dough out to an even thickness (about 1/8 inch). Place half the dough in the pan and shape, saving the rest for the top.

The number one ingredient for the filling is obviously apples. Granny Smith and Cortland apples are the best. They provide just the right tartness and texture. Mix the additional ingredients, consisting of 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix well then add the apples and let sit for for a minute.

Now fill the pie crust and place the remaining pie crust on top and form. Cut 4 to 5 slits on top of crust to help it breath. Place in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes then decrease temperature to 350 degrees and bake another 1/2 to an hour longer. Find this recipe at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/apple-pie-3398 and http://www.ehow.com/how_4552848_bake-apple-pie.html.