Thursday, October 18, 2012

The apple pie of my eye

I live for the weekends these days, I tell you. As much as I love what I do for a living, I long for Saturday and Sunday and to sleep in until 8:00, to not have a pressing agenda, and to just go with the flow. This past Saturday found me running errands after the obligatory chores I always seem to have, and one of the errands was a visit to the apple orchard. With the crisp fall weather that we’re experiencing these days, I wanted to make something special for dessert on Saturday night, so I baked my husband’s favorite dish.

He said it was better than it normally is.

And it is normally very very good, if I must say so myself.



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I used Stayman Winesap apples. I can’t get them all the time and usually have to resort to using Granny Smith for this recipe. But it’s Stayman that makes this dish shine.



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Well, that and the recipe I’ve been using since I was a teenager. I found the recipe in a cookbook I bought myself when moving into my first apartment. The book is falling apart and I’ve resorted to labeling some of my favorite pages.



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The apples are cut thickly and they are sautéed in a small amount of water for a little while before adding them to the dish. Then the dry ingredients are simply patted on top, and butter is added before the top crust is placed. Don't worry ~ it will all cook down and turn into a most scrumptious dessert.



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I had some extra pie crust so I cut out some leaves and placed them around the heart, using water as my glue.



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Because you cook this pie for 10 minutes at a high temperature and then turn it down for another 45, I like to use a pie crust protector. I got this one from Pampered Chef years ago. It helps to grease it just a little bit before using.



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The finished dish. I could have done some more styling here, but I’m slackin’ in the stylin’ department at the moment.

I promise you though – it’s a marvelous dish that you may need to make this weekend.  Just don’t forget the Stayman’s. Here’s the recipe, straight out of my old cookbook.


The Apple Pie that wins hearts


Lovin’ from the oven. Just for you.
123 Signature[5]

31 comments:

Connie in Hartwood said...

Now you've gone and made me hungry for pie! Stayman apples are my very favorites ... they are great eaten right out of your hand. I'm definitely going to try the pie recipe.

Country Girl said...

They are hands down my favorite apple. It was love at first bite as a child.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful pie!!! and I love your cookbook. My fav looks very very similar in the rag-eared department. I love the dry idea and I didn't know that that gadget protected crusts. Now I know what to look for at yard sales. thanks for that. My favorite old recipe comes from an Old Joy of Cooking paperback that my Mother gave to me when I got married. and it calls to pat the top with milk and then sprinkle sugar (I use the big brown Raw version). the milk adds a shiny-gloss and the sugar adds sparkle (and a touch of sweetest).
The heart is perfect, I'll remember that one.
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

Carolynn Anctil said...

Yum! Thanks for sharing the recipe - this one will be going into my collection.

I love Pampered Chef. They're products are all that they say they are. I'm going to have to see if there's a distributor in my area.

Anonymous said...

For some reason your post reminded me of the scene from Starman when he eats Dutch Apple Pie for the first time. Love that movie and that scene.

Your pie looks mouth-watering good!

Mr. Black said...

That pie looks delicious AND pretty. I love apple pie, but have been a bit lazy and have been making apple crisp instead, and enjoying it with homemade french vanilla ice cream.

And, if this is an example of you "slackin'" in the styling department, I'm doomed.

Country Gal said...

What a fantastic looking pie ! Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and recipe with us . I will defiantly have to give this a try ! Have a wonderful evening !

beth said...

oh sure. make me lick the screen twice. first your FB post and now here. sheesh, are you trying to tease me or what !!!....xo

GailO said...

Can you believe I have never heard of Stayman apples?! I don't think I have ever seen them up here in the stores or in the orchards..maybe they are a southern variety? I'll be looking for them now!

That pie is styling if you ask me!

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

I am very fussy about apple pie because it is a favorite and always has been. Yours looks delicious and if I was in your neighborhood, I would stop by unannounced to try it.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

There is absolutely nothing slackin' here. That is an award winning pie if I ever saw one, never mind the taste, which I'm sure is equally spectacular.

You bring artistic touch into everything you do.

Katy said...

Those apples look delicious and even better in the pie. Reminds me of the apple pies my grandma makes. I just might have to try it myself.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oh, that looks wonderful!... I'm going to try the recipe. My apple pie is good, but not Mouth watering. I have not seen that kind of apple around here, either in the orchards or at the store. Darn it.

Em Parkinson said...

I have a similar recipe but without the pastry top....yours looks much nicer!

Do you remember a few months back you said you'd be happy for me to use some of your pictures as reference material for drawings? Of course I'd send you copies of anything I did. I was just wondering if you have any pictures of owls as I've been asked by the person who is my FIRST CUSTOMER (hoorah!) if I would do an owl. I can't find anything on Flickr but thought you might have something tucked away.

Let me know via the blog if you have time. I'm giving away a little sketch at the moment if you want to enter! I know how limited your time is so I won't expect am answer too soon.

Thanks so much Kate,

Em x

Daryl said...

i don't think i have ever had one of those apples... my favs are Macoun and Honey Crisp .. that pie is pretty as a picture

RURAL said...

Are you coming to visit? Please bring pie?

I am in awe of this pie, and since I can't even make "just add water" pie crust, no really I can even screw that up, you should drop by...lol.

Bring pie, please.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Anonymous said...

Gosh, you make it sound so easy! I love your decoration and I never knew piecrust protectors existed! I always try to cover it in aluminum foil, the way my mom taught me, but it usually slips off, dang it.

Kerri Farley said...

Oh it looks scrumptious! Yum-O!
LOVE the Heart and Leaves :)

Cloudia said...

Mother pie & apple-hood!


Now where is that organic apple I had stashed?


Weekend Aloha from Honolulu,
dear Pal
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Low Tide High Style said...

Now I need to make something gluten free with apples...damn gluten! ;-)

Kat

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Carolynn Anctil said...

I made this yesterday and it is DELICIOUS! I wanted to have a slice for breakfast this morning, but resisted. Soon though...very soon...

Tiggeriffic said...

I love making pies.. I made an apple pie yesteray and today I'm making beef stew.. That should taste good with the pie..
Good job ~! I love the leaves for a added decoration on the pie...
ta ta for now from Iowa:)

Cheryl Barker said...

Hi Kate, I’m trying to visit a new blog every day for the next few weeks, and today you’re my new visit! I came over from Pioneer Woman. Love your little autumn leaves on the pie & also love the photo of your old cookbook. What a treasure! Blessings to you!

Dianne said...

the recipe book looks like a wonderful old treasure
I think you should scan the recipes you want and then put the book on display as art :)

the pie looks amazing
I love the little heart

Dawning Inspiration said...

What a gorgeous pie!! ooooh - to have a bite (or two) of that!

foolery said...

Every time I come here I gasp at your images. Even the ones you take with your phone. And now I want pie. Miss you Kate and hope you are well!

Laurie

Laurie said...

Kate, it's SO nice to meet you! Love your photo blog..it too is inspiring. And this pie.. yum and pretty! We go through apple pies here like water, my husband and daughters LOVE them! Ciao!

mrs mediocrity said...

Oh my.... that looks fabulous! I made apple crisp this weekend... also delicious!
Autumn is just the best, isn't it?

Bluebird49 said...

I think you are stylin', girl! It looks (really)good enough to eat. (Right now would be the perfect time, too!)

Lili said...

Perfection Kate! And I love the heart and the recipe too. Never had those apples before...thanks for sharing your recipe. Love the pic of the apples and your old cookbook...well-worn and loved. And that is so cool that it was especially good this time, I love when that happens to a favorite recipe. xo