A is for Apple Pie

and Austin Alligator…the first book in my series

As promised readers, this week launches a 13-week cook-fest at alphabetmom.com.

That’s right, we will spend the next 13 weeks cooking our way through the alphabet.

And we are starting with the letter “A.”

You think?

That’s right, I am taking you back to a recipe that I have had in my recipe war chest for a very long time, my apple pie recipe.

Speaking of a very long time ago, that’s when I launched the very first book in my alphabet-based children’s book series, Austin Alligator, I’ll See You Guys Later.

Austin…my flagship book and where it all started.

Just like my apple pie…one of the very first desserts I ever learned to cook, and it came straight out of a Betty Crocker cookbook.

But it’s a good one…yes, this recipe is like having a very old, very good friend in your life.

Kind of like Austin Alligator.

Because you see readers, that’s where it all started for me in this publishing, blogging, cooking, writing journey of mine.

And like all the stories in my series, this one come straight out of my childhood, because, like many of you, there was a small window of time when I felt like I was being taken advantage of by my parents.

Like I was living in a military academy or being in boot camp or something like it.

You see, readers, I was the oldest child, the number one, numerous Uno (I’m bilingual), and with that job comes lots of responsibility and expectations.

Right? For all you fellow numerous Unos out there, or if you are currently raising a numerous Uno, you know what I’m talking about.

So about the age of 10 for me, I decided that I was tired of cleaning my room and taking care of my sisters, and I was very disturbed we were having a new baby (for a variety of reasons which included embarrassment of gigantic proportion), so I decided to run away from home.

Right next door to my grandmother’s house.

Why? Because Bitsy was the queen and she made me homemade French fries and turned my heating blanket on an hour before I went to bed so I would be toasty and cozy.

Why wouldn’t I want to live with her?

But a more important story happened in my life years later, when I was a teenager, and mom and I got cross because I felt like she didn’t appreciate me (sounds like I was kind of a spoiled brat).

At this moment, one I will remember for the rest of my life, my mother actually apologized to ME.

Wait.

It’s true. She said this, and I’ll always remember it, “Parents make mistakes, and we aren’t perfect, and I’m not perfect. But the truth is, I appreciate you and everything you do to help me and I’m sorry I made you feel like I didn’t.”

Profound. Simple, but profound.

So, as I do with all my books, I took these stories and consolidated them into a book about embracing responsibility, no matter your age, even if you are the oldest child.

And just as importantly, I took a vulnerable moment in my mother’s parenting life to help create this wonderful story.

As a result, we have Austin Alligator, I’ll See You Guys Later, a book I also named after my sweet nephew, Austin.

I just keep everything in the family.

Except this apple pie recipe…I’m bringing it out of the family recipe vault and I’m telling you, the response from the test kitchen has been very positive.

Very.

Test Kitchen Husband: “Cindy, this apple pie is really, really good.”

Me: “Scott, I’ve been making you this pie for 20 years.”

Test Kitchen Husband: “Well, maybe you just haven’t made it in a while, because it’s the best one you’ve ever made.”

Me: “I am pretty good.”

So, what do you think, readers? You want an easy, delicious apple pie recipe, just in time for fall?

Gosh, it makes your house smell so good and it’s very low in calories.

Wait.

That’s not entirely true. Your house does smell like fall and cinnamon and wonderfulness but it’s not good for your diet.

But I’m sharing anyway.

First, we are going to start with 8 apples…I like to use 4 Granny Smith and 4 Honey Crisp…it’s a wonderful combination of tart and sweet.

Next, you will need to hire a professional apple peeler. These guys are pretty expensive, so you might have to save up for a while before you can afford him.

Or, you can barter and in exchange for his apple peeling work you can feed him pie.

That’s what I do.

Now, for our crust, friends, I need to break something to you gently.

I use a box pie crust.

It’s true. I want to be Loretta Lynn and make mine with butter flavored Crisco shortening and roll it out with a rolling pin and have to take a shower because I have flour up my nose.

And in my hair.

But, I’m very busy and important and I just don’t have time.

And somewhere along the way, the pie crust Gods blessed our kitchens with the best alternative to rolling out your dough and now we have pie crusts that come in a nice little package.

And well, I love them.

So after that confessional that you probably don’t give two hoots about, you should know that I took one of the crusts, after I laid it out for about 15 minutes and let it warm up a little so it will roll out easier, and I pressed it into my 9 inch pie plate.

I then had my professional apple peeler slice my apples up into small slices, and honestly, we are just about done and we just got started!

Next we are going to mix the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt into our apples and mix it well.

Not to be Captain Obvious or anything, but readers, for this amazing homemade apple pie, you only need five ingredients!

Well, six, if you include the tablespoon of butter that you slice very thin and dot on the top of your apples.

Finally, lay your second crust that has also been laid out to warm, over the top of your apples.

Pinch the sides together with the crust that’s on the bottom, all the way around.

Next, put about four slits in the top of the pie.

We are almost there! Separate an egg and using the egg white, brush the top of your pie. This will give it a nice brown, flaky crust.

And finally, sprinkle some sugar over the top until it glistens!

In a preheated 425-degree oven, cook your luscious pie 40-45 minutes until the juice begins to bubble out through the slits.

Somebody better call the fire department because this pie is ON FIRE!

What can be more American or more fall than apple pie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream?

Question: What are some of your favorite fall recipes?