Fluffy apple pie

Fluffy Apple Pie:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once it holds together, divide it into two equal-sized disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out one disk of chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
   • Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with cubed butter.
4. Top the Pie:
   • Roll out the second disk of pie dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake the Pie:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This Fluffy Apple Pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering, with its tender, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling! Enjoy!