| Prep: 60 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 16g | 6g | 54g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 2g | 3g | 0.4g |
I am enthused to share one of my beloved creations, the Ginger Spiced Apple Pie, a recipe that embraces the bounty of nature with a comfort food-infused twist. Growing up under the Californian sun with its lush, fertile valleys brimming with fresh produce, we have a unique appreciation for Mother Nature’s bounty. We respect the harmony of fresh, seasonal ingredients, health consciousness, and the comforting nostalgia that’s woven into the soul of every homemade pie.
The Health-conscious Comfort
While the core of this recipe is a classic American dessert, the Ginger Spiced Apple Pie takes a healthier approach to the traditional recipe. The rich, hearty apples are sweet yet tart, providing an abundant source of fiber for good digestive health and immunity-boosting antioxidants. Infusing the pie with a hint of ginger not only adds a unique, warm spiciness, but also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
The choice to include all-purpose flour lets us embody that classic pie texture, while also being a handy source of energy. Moreover, balancing the dessert with a bit of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice teems with micro-minerals and a punch of vitamin C.
A Balance of Tastes
With every bite of this Ginger Spiced Apple Pie, you can expect a delightful medley of tastes and textures. The earthy tartness of the apples soothed by the comforting sugar sweetness. The buttery crumble juxtaposing the firm apple slices, then punctuated by the unexpectedly warm hint of ginger — it’s a dance that revives the soul. The finishing sprinkle of coarse sugar dresses each slice in an irresistible, delicate crunch. Choosing a tart apple variety allows you to keep that quintessential apple flavor at the forefront, even amid strong spices.
This recipe bears a beautiful resemblance to the traditional American Apple Pie. But due to the inclusion of ginger, it has a unique, spicy twist that sets it apart from its cousins while maintaining its comforting nostalgia. A dab of Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream or serving it aside a refreshing Watermelon and Feta salad will complement this pie recipe perfectly.
From the sunny Californian valleys to your kitchen—with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nutritional goodness, and a slice of nostalgia—this Ginger Spiced Apple Pie, time and again, is proof that you can indeed have your pie and eat it too!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
- 4 to 6 tablespoons cold water
- 8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (8 medium)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two
In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a teaspoon of salt. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until all flour is moistened and the pastry almost leaves the side of the bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if needed).
Step Three
Divide the pastry into halves and shape into 2 rounds. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 round into a circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate. It should be about 1/8 inch thick.
Step Four
Fold the pastry into quarters, place it in the pie plate with the point in the center; unfold and press firmly against bottom and side. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate. Set it aside.
Step Five
In a large bowl, blend a cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon each of ginger and nutmeg. Stir in the thinly sliced apples as well as a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Step Six
Spoon the mix into the pastry-lined pie plate. Cut a couple of tablespoons of butter into small pieces; sprinkle over the filling. Roll other round of pastry.Cover the filling with the pastry and fold the overhanging edge under the bottom layer of pastry. Press the edges together to seal; flute as desired.
Step Seven
Cut slits or shapes in several places in the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape and sprinkle with a tablespoon of coarse sugar. Cover the edge of pastry with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil after the first 15 minutes of baking.
Step Eight
Place the pie in the oven and bake for a total of 40 to 50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in the crust.
Step Nine
Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set. Enjoy the delicious taste of your Ginger Spiced Apple Pie with family and friends!
