This week marks another challenge of Project Tasteless. Remember when I cooked meatloaf naked? Well, this time around, we’re talking “Girls who eat their feelings”.
So, other than busy with school work, how am I feeling these days? I’ll give you a hint: giddy & with butterflies in my stomach. Figured it out yet? That’s right kids — I’ve got a crush! I’ve found myself a nice, sweet, Texas boy – an American classic. I’ve been walking around with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I also happen to associate these warm, fuzzy feelings with another American classic: Apple Pie.
So I stocked up on butter and got to work making “This Boy Makes me Feel All Warm and Fuzzy Like An Apple Pie” Pie (which is actually my Great Great Aunt Nell’s recipe I’ve made my whole life.
I decided that if I was going to whole hog and eat my feelings, I might as well go whole hog on the pie and do it 100% from scratch. I decided against the store-bought pie crust and braved making it on my own. My Aunt Josette, a chef, had confidence in my pastry skills, but I’m sad to say my own mother did not. But I persevered and made what is, in my opinion, perfect pie crust (I used this recipe from King Arthur Flour).
The key to my family’s apple pie, and what makes it unique from any other pie I’ve eaten, is the use of sweetened condensed milk!
(Shout out to my friend Mary for humoring me & playing photographer!)
When you make the pie crust, it makes 2 so you’re going to want to roll out the top pie crust to cover the apples. How you design this is up to you, but if you use a straight up pie crust make sure you cut some vents into it or use a pie bird! I decided that this guy was worth the “go big or go home” attitude and went for the lattice. 20 minutes and a lot of awkward dough later, I ended up with a semi-normal looking design!
Now you’re ready to bake at 350* for 45 minutes. Be sure to line the edges with aluminum foil for the first 35 minutes so they don’t get too brown!
“This Boy Makes Me Feel All Warm & Fuzzy Like Apple Pie” Pie
For this pie, you’ll need 2 pie crusts (I used this recipe which makes 2!)
3 baking apples (Braeburn or Granny Smith are the best), peeled and sliced thin
cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 T cornstarch
1/2 can Eagles Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 egg (for egg wash)
4 tsp butter
Once you have one crust lining a buttered pie pan, place the sliced, peeled apples in the crust. Dust with a few shakes of cinnamon. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, and the condensed milk — do not be tempted to add more than 1/2 the can, it will be too runny! Once that is all mixed up, simply pour it over the sliced apples and cover with the 2nd pie crust, using whatever design you choose (be sure that the top crust has some vents!). Beat up an egg to make the egg wash and brush it on the exposed crust. Cut the 4 tsp of butter into small chunks and drop onto the top of the pie crust. Line the edges of the crust with aluminum foil, and be sure to remove it 10 minutes to the end of baking! This bakes for 45 minutes on 350*. There you have it, perfect apple pie! Now go eat your feelings!
Mmmm looks delicious! You can use the rest of that sweetened condensed milk to make chai tea lattes at home. Another project for your home-made is cheaper feature?
I won’t admit to having used it already as creamer in my coffee like they did when I went to Jamaica…. so you have suggested a very good idea! do you use the pre-made liquid chai mix??
I’ve always used powder chai. I have gotten it from specialty tea shops in the past, but I’m pretty sure they have it at regular grocery stores.
Aren’t crushes fun? Enjoy the feeling — and the delicious pie!
Super fun! And I gave the boy the pie so I wouldn’t eat too many of my feelings hahah!
This pie looks so delicious! I will have to try this recipe out!
please do and tell me how it turns out — I’m partial to it being that it is my family recipe, but I honestly think it is an amazing pie!
As if apple pie weren’t good enough, you then go and add liquid crack to it! That has to be incredible. I have a TERRIBLE history with pies (as in, ruined a pie pan every single time I’ve tried to make one) but maybe I can make this and not burn the kitchen down….
Or maybe I’ll get someone else to make it for me, because it needs to be eaten.
This stuff is totally liquid crack. Seriously, I’m so glad we’re on the same page about it. You should try this, it is really simple!!! I have faith in you!
I now want some apple pie!!!!!! Eat it for me, Meredith!
I actually gave it away to the boy so I wouldn’t eat it!! but I seriously am considering making another…
I don’t really like fruit pies – yes, I am Communist. That said, I might just have to try this out & see if the new addition might lure me in – you know I am easy like that
let’s be honest, my real goal in making this pie was to seduce YOU. I’ve been caught pie-handed.
I don’t like fruit pies much either (cherry is always too sweet and I just plain don’t like blueberry) but try this. It is more creamy and less sugary than a typical apple pie.
I need to clarify that it wasn’t that I didn’t think you COULD make the crust, I just expressed my view that it is hard and easier to buy one! Looks great and I expect a repeat at Christmas
I will definitely make you a pie at Christmas, Mommy!
I love that boys make you feel giddy inside feeling!!! I’m sure it made that pie that much better.
I actually gave the pie to the guy!!! but it made me feel even better baking something for his affections
Please tell me you had a slice though!
OMG…this looks A-MAZING!!!
it is just SO good… best apple pie I’ve ever had (but I may be biased….). can’t wait to check out your entry for PT this week!
Pingback: how do you like them apples? | An Epic Change
Pingback: my fall favorites | An Epic Change
Pingback: An Unexpected Twist on Classic Apple Pie « Emerald Thunder Creations