apple pie recipe

i know that my love of pie and constant expression of it my teeter into obsession, and maybe some of you are tired of hearing it? I hope not. there is just something about a warm pie out of the oven, it just does something to my soul. it nourishes it and makes everything seem better. it quiets me. i don't really know when i fell in love with the kitchen and all things cooking. or baking for that matter. but, i love cooking and baking and even inviting people over spontaneously to share a meal or dessert. it's truly a happy place for me.

so naturally when things are feeling out of place - or even in this current season, where there is just this under current of suffering that just won't shake. I find myself in the kitchen, longing to whip up something - that is warm, inviting, and something that can be shared. and there is just something to slowing down and taking the time to bake a pie. a.whole.pie.from.scratch. i don't feel rushed or crowded or pulled in every direction. i feel connected and slow, and i want that everyday. but, especially during advent. i really {we} really try to be intentional about observing, and it's the hardest season for me, i feel the weight of brokenness from my family and childhood, and the longing to see humanity truly reconciled, and the truth of it all starting in a humble manger with a tiny babe. it's painfully beautiful, raw, and humbling, and i hate the feeling of it passing me by so quickly, i want to linger in this space.

so maybe your feeling a little disconnected, lonely or heavy hearted with weariness that goes to the bone. here is my recipe for a apple pie, invite a trusted friend over or be extra brave and invite that new neighbor over. or maybe your the *new* neighbor, take a slice on over. trust me, it's a sure way to make a new friend. and keep an old one. share your joy and your burdens. i'm not saying pie is a cure all, but maybe it is. i mean wine.pie.laugher.{and sleep.} okay, and i good cry.

{apple pie recipe}
7 cups of  peeled, cored, and chopped apples {I like to use the granny smith variety}
1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of ginger
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
1/3 c sugar
zest of half a lemon + juice of one lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 tbs of butter sliced into tiny pieces
1 egg or a bit of milk {to make a little wash to brush the top of the crust to make it nice and pretty and golden.}
also this pie crust recipe. trust me. just make it.

okaaaayyyy. ya ready!
peel, core, and slice your apples. put them in a large mixing bowl, add spices, sugar, lemon zest + juice, and cornstarch. let sit for 10-15 minutes. {preheat your oven to 400 f}

divide your two prepared pie crust into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. roll the larger pie crust and place it into the pie dish. now, roll the smaller one loosely into a rectangle and cut into 1'' strips - for a lattice top. pour apples into pie dish and top with slices of butter. lattice your strips of pie crust, then brush with an egg wash {egg + water} or milk and sprinkle sugar on top.

bake at 400 f {for 30 minutes} then decrease to 375 f  {for 30-35 more minutes}. let cool for at least an hour before serving. now you have all three meals of the day covered, but don't forget to share!