Spicy Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering a delicious combination of sweet and tangy apples, enhanced by a medley of warm spices. This pie is the perfect autumn treat, with a flaky crust and a flavorful filling that will delight your taste buds. The addition of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger, along with a touch of black pepper, elevates the traditional apple pie to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The history of apple pie dates back centuries, with variations of this classic dessert found in many cultures around the world. The combination of apples and pastry has been enjoyed since ancient times, and the pie, as we know it today, evolved over time.

The addition of spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, to apple dishes can be traced back to medieval European recipes, which incorporated these aromatic spices to enhance the flavors of fruits and desserts. The spices became synonymous with apple pies, elevating them from a simple treat to a comforting and aromatic indulgence.

The popularity of apple pie grew in the United States during the colonial period, with American settlers using the abundance of apples to create their own versions of the beloved dessert. Over time, regional variations and family recipes emerged, each adding its own twist to the classic apple pie.

Spicy Apple Pie, with its unique blend of warm spices, likely emerged as bakers experimented with different spice combinations, seeking to create a pie that offered a burst of flavors and comforting aromas. Today, Spicy Apple Pie continues to be a beloved dessert during the fall and holiday seasons, cherished for its heartwarming taste and nostalgic appeal.

INGREDIENTS

• 5-6 Pinata apples, cored, peeled, and sliced into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (14g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the filling after the dough has chilled: In a large bowl, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir the apple slices, lemon juice, flour, all the spices, sugar, and vanilla extract together until thoroughly combined. Set the filling aside to allow the apples to release their juices.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
3. Roll out one disc of chilled pie dough on a floured work surface until it forms a 12-inch diameter circle. Carefully place the dough into a 9×2 inch pie dish, pressing it in and smoothing it with your fingers.
4. Spoon the prepared apple filling into the crust and discard any excess juice in the bottom of the bowl.
5. Dot the pieces of cold unsalted butter on top of the filling.
6. Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Lay it over the filling and use a small paring knife to trim off excess dough from the sides. Cut slits in the top to create steam vents, then crimp the edges to seal the pie.
7. Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with the beaten egg and milk mixture. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.
8. Place the pie on a large baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the pie is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, you can place a pie crust shield on top to protect them.
11. Allow the pie to cool for at least 3 hours at room temperature before serving. This resting time allows the filling to thicken and set.
12. For best storage, tightly cover any leftover pie and refrigerate.

Enjoy the delightful Spicy Apple Pie, a flavorful twist on the classic dessert that will warm your heart and bring comfort to your taste buds. This pie is the perfect addition to any autumn gathering or holiday celebration.