A La Mode

So after paying a visit to Snow-Line Orchard in Oak Glen, I decided an apple pie was in order...duh. I can't think of a better way to use a bunch of fresh, tart apples than in a warm and delicious, sweet apple pie. I've always enjoyed desserts with a few different elements going on. Hot and cold, salty and savory and yes, a la mode. A slice of warm apple pie is great, sure, but when dolloped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel it becomes...art. There's something about a warm dessert with something cold and melty atop it that I just can't say no to. And so here is my version of Caramel Apple Pie. Enjoy!
Crust:
3 cups flour
1 cup oil
4 Tbspns. milk
2 tspns. salt
4 tspns. sugar
Filling:
5-6 large apples, any variety, cored, peeled and sliced
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbspn. cinnamon

Prepare the crust by mixing all ingredients until combined and ball is formed (I know what you're thinking...oil and not butter...whaaa??? But try it.) Refrigerate until ready to use. For filling, place all ingredients in large skillet on medium-low until simmering. Reduce to lowest setting and put lid on and cook for about 20 minutes until apples have softened. In pie dish, take half the dough and press, pushing up to edges (dough will be crumbly..) Place apples in dish then crumble remaining dough over top. (You can use any double-crust recipe for this or buy prepared dough.) Bake pie for 30 minutes at 400°. It should be just golden around the edges. Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. I dare you not to go back for seconds...

                                       Beautiful Laura Red apples from Snow-Line Orchard

 

Every pie baker needs a helper...

 

 

Ready!

                                                       Golden-baked deliciousness...

                                                         Mommy's afternoon pick-me-up!

Pay this orchard a visit! They were friendly, hospitable and this orchard made the perfect place for our family outing!! http://snow-line.com/