Comments on: La Buona Cucina America: Apple Pie – Torta di Mele

By: Nate

Nate — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:00:45 +0000

Nothing better than the classic. I wouldn't change a thing, except melt some cheddar cheese on a slice before eating. Nate’s last blog post..Aunty Marlene's Banana Muffins Recipe You know I've never had that? I'm so particular about certain things that I like--I don't even like them to change a little bit. Mom's apple pie is definitely one of those things, but I've always been intrigued by the cheese thing....

By: fallenmonk

fallenmonk — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:40:56 +0000

Try mixing the types of apples for your pie. Use half tart apples like Granny Smith and half sweet apples like Rome or Delicious. Makes for a nice pie.
I also mix butter and shortening in my pie dough.The butter brings flavor and the shortening the flakiness.
Another tip I picked up that sometimes helps novice pie dough handlers is to use vodka instead of water. The alcohol burns off and leaves no flavor but eliminating the water helps prevent the gluten from developing in the dough and making the dough tough from overworking and the secret to a good crust is to work it as little as possible.

OK, I’ve heard of mixing the apples and even the butter and shortening, but vodka? *That* is a new one. Excellent tip, especially for novices (like me). I’ll give it a try next pie

By: Judith in Umbria

Judith in Umbria — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:31:13 +0000

This is what Italians ask for if you offer to bring something to their party. Many times they are really surprised to see what it is really like!
My version is much spicier, but I also have a recipe from a southern friend for which the apple part is less spiced because during the last part of the cooking a praline pecan mixture is cooked on top of the crust. Decadent, yes. Candied pie.

Judith in Umbria’s last blog post..Made in America: Mom’s Apple Pie

Oh wow. Candied pie. YUM! We’re not big on spices in my family generally–neither my mom nor I like a lot of spices in apple pie, carrot cake, etc…heartburn is one reason

By: poppy fields

poppy fields — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:50:27 +0000

Mmmmm. Can’t think of any improvements for that pie other than “Please pass me a piece ”

poppy fields’s last blog post..trainspotting

Wish I could!

By: Salena of The Daily Rant

Salena of The Daily Rant — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:03:45 +0000

Do you think your Mom will make me a pie if I swing by and pick it up? LOL

That pie looks DELISH!!

Now, a request:

I tagged you for a Meme. Check out my post for the rules:

http://bellavenere.blogspot.com/2008/10/weird-and-random.html

I know, I know – I didn’t ask you first if you would participate, so I beg your forgiveness. Now go check out my post and see if you want to participate!

Salena

Salena of The Daily Rant’s last blog post..Weird And Random

What have you done?!!!!!! Hmm…..

By: Taffiny

Taffiny — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:57:45 +0000

I love apple pie. I keep almost buying one, but they are often expensive, and the ingredients not what they should be. It looks so easy to do when simply watching other people make them.
But I have been down that road often enough to know nothing is simple for me in the kitchen.
still, I think next weekend, Cheese and I will try to make yours. He does pretty well in the kitchen. And now I am so hungry for apple pie, I must either buy or bake.

I’ve actually never liked a store-bought apple pie. I’m so spoiled. Best of luck to you and Cheese–the filling by itself is worth the effort

By: Bily

Bily — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:38:33 +0000

Are you positive you don’t deliver?

Bily’s last blog post..A Pebble of Bone

Well I don’t, but depending how close to you are to my mom in Pennsylvania….

By: Peter Answers

Peter Answers — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:57:56 +0000

MMM, that looks tasty. Crust looks very buttery and flaky. I add raisins to my apple pies, not sure where i picked that up but I like it anyway.

Peter Answers’s last blog post..More Pranks & Gags

Yum, Peter! Love apples and raisins together

By: NewWrldYankee

NewWrldYankee — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:30:35 +0000

I love making apple pie from scratch. I just made it a few weeks ago, actually. I have to use margarine here in Hungary, as shortening is not available. Adding 1/2 tsp of nutmeg and 3-4 ground cloves each also gives a great touch. It makes it taste all Christmas-y, if that makes any sense. lol I linked to my recipe if you want to check it out. Also, two other tips – baking it on the lower rack prevent the top crust from getting too dry or browning too much, and also letting it sit for a few hours helps it solidify more and make it easier to give actually pie slices. Otherwise I get apple pie mush, which tastes the same, but somehow is less satisfying.

NewWrldYankee’s last blog post..Do You Want Free Budgeting and Financial Advice Catered to You?

Thanks for the tips! Yes, letting the pie cool a bit is definitely advisable. Of course I *do* rather enjoy a warm slice of pie, so it’s a fine line

By: nova

nova — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:10:31 +0000

This looks divine. Thank you for the detailed recipe. I never bake, but I am saving this recipe to try it out. You see, there is one thing in the world my husband may love more than he loves me: apple pie. If only I could make him one!

nova’s last blog post..Name Dropper

Pies can be tricky with the rolling of the dough (knowing the right consistency)–there are lots of ready made crusts out there too that are actually quite good if you feel at all skittish about the dough part