December 5, 2016

Rustic Apple Crostata

As everyone is frantically getting ready for the holidays, I want to share this easy apple crostata recipe because of its rustic simplicity and homemade goodness…. With a so much to do and so little time to do everything.. ..this is my go to dessert for our holiday menu.

With minimal effort, a few apples, some sugar and a pie crust…you’ve got all you need to wow your guests during the holidays. It’s a perfect recipe for those of you who just don’t have the time to devote to baking ….yet you long for that homemade flavor… this is the pie for you and I…. …and it tastes so much better than a store-bought pie..

We like to top it off with powdered sugar, whip cream or creamy vanilla ice cream …perfecto.. This pie serves about 4 – 6 people…depending on the size of the slice… you may want to make two of these pies…because they will disappear quickly.

Here is a recipe for a homemade pie crust but no need to stress if you prefer to forgo that process…..just purchase a pre made pie crust in the dairy section of your supermarket. (Pillsbury brand is most popular)

Pie Crust Recipe

1-1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup Crisco (vegetable shortening)
4 tbsp. sweet cold butter, cut into thick slices
4-6 tbsp. ice-cold water

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.. Add the Crisco and cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate the butter and Crisco. the mixture should resemble coarse bread crumbs.. Add a few tbsp. of ice-cold water until the dough comes together into a smooth ball and then shape it into a ball …remember not to overwork the dough as it will make it tough but it should not be sticky..add more flour.. Flatten the dough into a disk and cover it with plastic wrap. Put dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. When ready to use: Remove dough from refrigerator and place on a floured surface. Roll dough out gently to desired a round shape …It’s ready for the filling.

Apple Filling:

5 large gala, red delicious or honey crisp apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. flour
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 tbsp. butter
1 egg for egg wash
2 tbsp. turbinato sugar (sugar in the raw)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mx together the sliced apples, lemon juice, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place the circular piece of dough on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Pile the apple mixture on top of dough ….bring up the edges of the dough to encircle the apples and crimp the edges. Dot apples with butter. Scramble egg in a small bowl and brush the crust with egg wash and then sprinkle dough with “sugar in the raw” turbinato sugar.

Place crostata in preheated oven Bake for 30-35 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is browned and crispy. Remove crostata from oven and let cool before serving. can serve with whip cream or vanilla ice cream….yummy…