As I wrote about some weeks ago, I was a pie judge at the Tecumseh Heritage Day pie contest. There were 28 pies to judge and I have to say it was a very difficult decision. There were two categories, double crust and single crust. The first place winner for the double crust pies was one made by Diane Halstead. It was an Upside-Down Apple Pie and it was scrumptious. Here is the recipe.
Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 4 to 6 Tbsp. cold water
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt; cover and pulse until blended. Add butter, and shortening. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. While processing, gradually add water until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half so that one portion is slightly larger than the other: Wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate both portions for 45 minutes or until easy to handle.
Pecans:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves
Coat a 9-in deep dish pie plate with cooking spray. Line bottom and sides of plate with parchment paper. Coat paper with cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and butter. Stir in pecans. Arrange the pecans in the bottom of prepared pie plate with rounded sides of pecans facing down.
Filling:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger portion of dough to fit bottom and sides of pie. Transfer dough to plate. Press the crust firmly against pecans and sides of pie plate. Trim edges. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon. Add apples and toss to coat. Fill crust with apple mixture. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie. Place over filling. Trim and seal edges. Cut slits in pastry.
Place a foil-lined baking sheet on a rack below the pie to catch any spills. Bake pie at 375 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully loosen the parchment paper around edge of pie. Invert hot pie onto a serving plate. Remove paper. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
This apple pie was beautiful to look at. But it tasted extraordinary. A scoop of ice cream would have made this even more devine. The recipe for this pie is available in the west wing near the Cooking Neighborhood in the Pie display. If you don’t know where that is, be sure and ask any librarian. They will be happy to show you where the display and the Cooking Neighborhood is located. So, if you want a great first place recipe or any other recipe check out the Pie Display and the Cooking Neighborhood. Happy Cooking!!