Apple pie...

[Otter]

I have enough Granny Smith apples to make a pie, but am wondering if it would be better if I mixed in some Haralsons.

[WayneT]

Grannies are THE pie apple. Don't contaminate them!

[Konditor]

I have no familiarity with the Harelson variety. As for the Granny Smiths, you may want to pre-cook some of the moisture out of them. I use either them or Golden Delicious in a rich custard tart. Alternatively, Torta di Mele alla Panna, is an apple cream-cheese pie, for which Cortlands are quite suitable. My preferred variety for double-crust pies is Royal Gala. For Dutch Appel Taart, I use Red Delicious.

McIntosh provide a classic, straightforward pie (with a traditional lard crust), beloved by many families. Equal amounts of Granny Smith & McIntoshes provide for a juicy full-flavored pie filling, so you may feel confident to go with that combination.

[wasabi woman]

many of the prize-winning apple pies use at least two varieties, I think to get a more even "liquid" level; 2003 winner recommends Jonathan and Granny Smith.


Good Luck!

[buckytom]

my wife uses macs and galas i think, makes a nice pie.....

[Juliev]

I like granny smith apples.

Brown Butter Creamy Apple Pie:

1 (15oz)pkg refrigerated pie crust

Filling:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla
3 large granny smith apples, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch wedges

Streusel:

1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Topping:

1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla

Prepare pie crust according to directions using a 9-inch pie pan. (refrigerate remaining crusting for later use)

Heat oven to 400°. In small saucepan, cook 1/4 cup butter over med heat until melted and lightly browned, stirring constantly. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled.

In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and egg; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and 1 tsp vanilla. With a wire wisk, beat in cooled butter. Pour into crust-lined pan. Arrange apple wedges over top.

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In med bowl, combine all streusel ingredients except butter; mix well. With a pastry blender or fork, cut in 1/4 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples; press lightly.

Bake for 20 min. Reduce oven temperature to 350°; bake and additional 40-50 min or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. If necessary, cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15-20 min of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool two hours.

In small bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add remaining topping ingredients; beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon onto pie, store in refrigerator. If you don't want to use this topping, spoon vanilla ice cream or yogurt on pie.

[Otter]

I munched my way through too many of the Haralsons this weekend, so I guess it is going to be just Granny this time.

[Juliev]

Originally Posted by Otter

I munched my way through too many of the Haralsons this weekend, so I guess it is going to be just Granny this time.

I love apples.. I eat them often as a snack!

[Lifter]

If you were going to add something to a Granny Apple Pie, you might consider raisins, and an extra dash of cinnamon...grant the point, its a personal taste thing, but I like it that way...

[mudbug]

Ditto on adding raisins. Also good in homemade applesauce.