Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup pitted and chopped Chinese dates
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- rolling pin
- pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled and cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, chopped Chinese dates, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges.
6. Pour the apple and date mixture into the pie crust and spread it evenly.
7. Drizzle the melted butter over the filling.
8. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips over the filling in a lattice pattern.
9. Brush the beaten egg over the lattice crust.
10. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 315
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 154mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 23g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of dates instead of Chinese dates.
- You can use a premade pie crust instead of making your own.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Use a mixture of different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled and cubed before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter and flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don't overwork the dough or it will become tough.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the beaten egg over the lattice crust for a shiny finish.
Storage instructions:
Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the pie before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the pie with a side of whipped cream or a fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pie crust is too dry, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- If the pie crust is too wet, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
- If the filling is too runny, add more flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the pie is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Apple pie is a classic American dessert, but it has roots in England and Europe. Chinese dates, also known as jujubes, are a popular fruit in China and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Flavor profiles:
This pie has a sweet and slightly tart flavor from the apples and Chinese dates, with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
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