Homestyle Comfort: Crafting Your Perfect Apple Pie

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Fill the Pie:
   • Arrange the apple mixture in the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
5. Roll Out the Top Crust:
   • Roll out the remaining disc of dough into a circle large enough to cover the pie. Carefully place the dough over the filling, and trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
6. Seal and Vent the Pie:
   • Fold the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust, then crimp or flute the edges to seal the pie. Use a sharp knife to make several small slits or decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection:
   • 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 bubbling and tender.
   • If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny.
   • Serve slices of Perfect Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.