Scrumptious apple pie bursting with Ceylon spices!
Cooking time: 1hr 15min
Serves: 6 people
Ingredient Cost: Approximately £4 or less
First, grab a big mixing bowl and start sifting that flour and salt like it's a game of culinary hopscotch! Next, toss in the vegetable shortening or lard, along with butter—because butter makes everything better! Now, using your fingertips (yes, it's time to get your hands messy), rub those fats into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Slowly, add some water while stirring with a knife until your dough becomes a firm, non-sticky superstar. Give it a gentle knead until it’s smooth, wrap it up in shiny aluminium foil, and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, just like a cool pie!
Now, let’s grease up a 9-inch-deep pie dish with a dab of butter. Slice that chilled dough in half, and roll one half out on a floured surface until it’s big enough to fit your dish. Carefully lift it onto your rolling pin and unroll it over the dish, then press it down gently—no stretching allowed! Trim off any extra dough so it looks neat and tidy.
Time to crank that oven up to a toasty 375°F (gas mark 5, 190°C)!
For the filling, mix sugar, KEERNA Ceylon true cinnamon, KEERNA Ceylon nutmeg, KEERNA Ceylon cloves, and cornflour in a big bowl. Toss in those sliced apples and a splash of lemon juice, and give it a good mix until everything's best buddies.
Spoon that apple goodness into your pie shell, piling it higher in the middle like a delicious mountain. Don’t worry if it looks overstuffed; it’ll shrink down while baking! Dot the top with the remaining butter—because why not?
Now, roll out the second half of the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick and 12 inches wide. Lift it onto your rolling pin and drape it over the apple filling. Grab some scissors and trim it to about ¼ inch from the dish’s edge. Tuck the overhang under the bottom crust, then press it down to seal it tight and add some flair with a decorative pinch!
Brush that dough with a splash of ice water and cut two little slits in the centre of the top crust for some steam action.
Bake that beauty in the oven for about 40 minutes until the crust turns a glorious golden brown. Serve it up hot with generous scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, and watch the smiles spread!