Thanksgiving Treats: Classic Apple Pie and More Delicious Ideas
As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of a cozy gathering filled with warmth, gratitude, and, of course, delectable food fills the air. This year, why not take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with a blend of timeless traditions and a touch of creative flair? Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate dinner, these ideas will inspire you to create a feast that’s both memorable and mouthwatering.
The Heart of the Feast: A Classic Apple Pie
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a show-stopping dessert, and a classic apple pie is the perfect way to cap off your celebration. This pie embodies the essence of fall with its tender, flaky crust and a filling of perfectly spiced apples. The combination of tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting, nostalgic taste that your guests will love.
The recipe for this classic apple pie is straightforward, yet it yields a dessert that’s nothing short of spectacular. The process begins with a homemade pie crust, which adds a buttery richness that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy apple filling. A sprinkling of sugar on the top crust gives the pie a delightful crunch, while a touch of milk creates a golden finish. Serve this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
This apple pie isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes. The golden-brown crust, the inviting aroma of spiced apples, and the beautiful presentation make it a dessert that’s as much about tradition as it is about taste.
Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to hold together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the filling:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allsp
- .Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and toss to coat.
Assemble the pie:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan, leaving a slight overhang.
- Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture and dot with the small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake the pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
based on one-eighth of a 9-inch pie:
Nutritional Facts (per slice):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Key Nutrient Information:
- Vitamin A: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 2% of the DV
- Calcium: 2% of the DV
- Iron: 8% of the DV
**Please note that these values are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used**
Tips:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- For a decorative touch, use a cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the top crust before placing it on the pie.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie!
Other Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
- The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table, a perfectly roasted turkey is a must. Elevate your turkey by rubbing it with a herb-infused butter, which will keep the meat moist and flavorful. Don’t forget to let it rest before carving, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Click here for this recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/roast-turkey-with-herb-butter-a-timeless-recipe-rooted-in-tradition/
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Infuse them with roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey gravy. Click here for this recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-mashed-potatoes-a-thanksgiving-side-dish-to-savor/
Green Bean Almondine
- Add a touch of elegance to your sides with green beans almondine. The crisp-tender beans tossed with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon make a light, refreshing dish that balances the richness of other sides. Click here for this recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/green-bean-almondine-a-classic-side-dish-with-a-modern-twist/
Cranberry Orange Relish
- Give your cranberry sauce a citrus twist with fresh orange zest and juice. This relish is a vibrant, tangy addition that cuts through the richness of the meal. Click here for this recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/thanksgiving-tart-the-ultimate-cranberry-sauce-recipe-to-brighten-your-feast/
Pumpkin Pie with a Twist
- If you’re looking to add a second pie to your dessert spread, consider a classic pumpkin pie with a twist. Our pumpkin pie recipe includes a dash of black pepper and milk in the filling, adding a subtle complexity to the traditional flavor. This pie is perfect for those who want to enjoy a familiar favorite with a surprising twist. Click here for this recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/the-heart-of-thanksgiving-reinventing-pumpkin-pie-with-sweet-surprises/
Bringing it All Together
Thanksgiving is a time for bringing loved ones together and celebrating with a feast that honors both tradition and creativity. The classic apple pie recipe, with its perfect blend of sweet and spice, serves as the crown jewel of your dessert table, while the other recipes complement the meal with their unique flavors and textures.
This year, let your Thanksgiving dinner be a reflection of all that you are grateful for. Whether you stick to classic recipes or experiment with new flavors, the most important thing is the love and care that goes into every dish. So, gather around the table, share in the joy of the season, and savor every bite of your delicious Thanksgiving meal.
