I Am Thankful for Salted Caramel Apple Pie
I Am Thankful for Salted Caramel Apple Pie
I Am Thankful for Salted Caramel Apple Pie
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 2 sticks (16 tbsp) unsalted butter chilled*
- 1 cup ice water
- 2/3 c heavy cream
- 3 lbs apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tsp fleur du sel
- turbinado sugar (optional)
- Carbohydrate 501.24296668224 g
- Cholesterol 200.066666805154 mg
- Fat 63.6867167042647 g
- Fiber 7.05206647632399 g
- Protein 8.13934333603701 g
- Saturated Fat 38.3429616900034 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2453g)
- Sodium 19950.2260507668 mg
- Sugar 494.190900205916 g
- Trans Fat 5.51717233535398 g
- Calories 2507 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the sugar in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium low heat and cover until the sugar melts, gently swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Since this is a dry-method caramel, the melted sugar will immediately show a rich brown color, so watch it carefully. It will burn quickly after the sugar has melted.
- Once all the sugar has melted, remove from the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to incorporate. Be careful as the sugar will bubble and the pan is very hot!
- If lumps appear, return the pan to the burner over low heat and stir constantly until they dissolve.
- Transfer the caramel to a glass dish or jar for storage. Allow it to come to room temperature before refrigerating. This caramel will harden in the refrigerator, so you will need to microwave it a few seconds to soften before using if not using immediately.
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cut the chilled butter into 1 tbsp-sized squares
- Using a pastry cutter or a food processor, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it's at pea-sized chunks. Don't over-mix, you'll warm the butter! It must stay very very very cold.
- Pour in about ½ cup of your ice water (not the ice), and mix with a spatula. Slowly add more water, about a tbsp at a time, until your dough just comes together.
- Knead briefly with your hands to create a ball. Then split the ball in two, wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare your filling.
- If you haven't already peeled, cored, and thinly sliced your apples, do so now. I usually use a mix of tart and medium sweet firm apples to provide variety in flavor.
- Mix the apple slices with the sugar and cinnamon, set aside.
- Take one of your pie crust discs out of the refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a lightly floured surface.
- Lightly flour your rolling pin, and starting from the center of the disc and working out, roll the crust to about 12" in diameter (for a 9" pie dish). Roll in one direction only, rotating the crust as needed. Work quickly to keep it cold.
- Carefully transfer the crust to your pie plate and gently guide it to fit into the corners. Don't pull.
- Add your filling to the pie dish and spread evenly. If your filling goes above the edge of the dish, mound the extra in the middle.
- Pour your caramel over the apples, then sprinkle on your fleur du sel.
- Roll out the second pie crust in the same manner as the first. If cutting into a lattice, do so. I just used some mini leaf cookie cutters I had to add vents.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Whisk an egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over the pie crust. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and put in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 10 minutes at 400, then without opening the door, lower the temperature to 350 and bake an additional 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.
A Slice of Gratitude: My Salted Caramel Apple Pie Journey
The aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and a hint of salty caramel fills my kitchen, a comforting symphony that speaks volumes about gratitude. This isn't just any apple pie; it's a culmination of a busy week, a moment of quiet reflection, and a testament to the simple joys of baking. Each ingredient, carefully chosen and measured, represents a piece of my life's puzzle, a reminder of the blessings I often overlook in the daily rush. The flaky crust, a testament to patience and precision, is a metaphor for the careful planning and effort needed for a fulfilling life. The sweet apples, bursting with flavor, symbolize the sweetness of cherished memories and meaningful connections. The tangy caramel, a perfect balance between sweet and salty, represents the ever-present juxtaposition of challenges and triumphs in our journey.
This pie isn't merely a dessert; it's a project that allows me to escape, to find solace in the rhythmic actions of measuring, mixing, and rolling dough. The precise steps, each one a small act of intention, are a soothing counterpoint to the unpredictable nature of life. In those moments, with flour dust clinging to my apron and the comforting warmth of the oven embracing my kitchen, I find a quiet peace, a sense of accomplishment, and an appreciation for the small things that contribute to a larger sense of well-being. The time spent in my kitchen isn’t just about creating a delicious pie; it's about nurturing my soul. This recipe, with its gentle steps and delightful flavors, is more than just a set of instructions; it's a recipe for a mindful escape, a moment of self-care, and an embodiment of thankfulness.
The finished pie, a masterpiece of golden-brown perfection, is a delicious reward for the time and effort invested. Sharing it with loved ones, witnessing their faces light up with each bite, amplifies the sense of contentment and gratitude. It's in these shared moments, surrounded by warmth and laughter, that the true magic of baking unfolds. This pie is a symbol of love, connection, and a grateful heart, a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to create something beautiful, delicious, and deeply meaningful.
Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, reflecting the simplicity of true contentment. The perfect blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of fleur de sel is nothing short of extraordinary. The flaky crust, made with care, is the perfect vessel for this symphony of flavors. The process of making this pie, like many things in life, is a journey that is just as rewarding as the destination. The time spent creating this pie is a treasured moment of reflection.
Beyond the Recipe: The salted caramel apple pie is more than just a recipe; it is a symbol of thoughtful intention and a celebration of simple pleasures. It's a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, slowing down and taking the time to create something beautiful can bring incredible joy and satisfaction. The result is a pie that’s not only delicious, but also deeply personal and meaningful, a perfect reflection of the heart and soul of the baker. The aroma itself is a comfort, a warm invitation to gather around and share in this sweet gratitude.
