| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 55 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 18g | 10g | 72g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 42g | 4g | 4g | 0.8g |
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There’s something enrapturing about the way Medlar and Apple Pie comes together that makes it a personal favorite of mine. The recipe, with its mix of medlars and apples, evokes memories of autumn hikes through the Rockies, where the crisp mountain air carries the scent of forest and earth. This pie, with its blend of sweet and tart flavors, is the perfect ending to a day spent outdoors or a comforting treat on a chilly night.
The Unique Flavor of Medlars
Medlars are an often overlooked fruit, yet their unique flavor is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. When bletted—left to soften after the first frost—medlars take on a sweet, almost spiced apple or date-like flavor. This quality makes them a perfect companion to apples, creating an intricate taste that’s both familiar and novel. The combination of medlars and apples in this pie brings together a harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat.
Health Benefits of Medlar and Apple Pie
Both medlars and apples offer impressive health benefits. Apples are a well-known source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Medlars, while less common, are packed with vitamin C, which is known for boosting the immune system, and their fiber content aids in digestive health. Incorporating these fruits into a delicious pie not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides essential nutrients.
This Medlar and Apple Pie is vaguely reminiscent of the classic apple pie, but the addition of medlars introduces a surprising twist. The filling, enriched with a mix of granulated and brown sugar, and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, offers an aromatic experience that elevates the dish. A touch of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while the buttery crust brings it all together in a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.
This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing its already comprehensive flavor profile. Consider serving it alongside other hearty dishes, such as a game meat stew or a comforting bowl of vegetable soup, to create a full meal rooted in the satisfying tastes of the mountains.
In the end, it’s the little details in the Medlar and Apple Pie recipe that make it so special. The coziness it brings into your home, the connection to nature it invokes, and of course, the opportunity to share a lovingly crafted dish with those you care about. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice looking to try something new, this pie is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups medlars, peeled and pitted
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
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Method
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Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the refrigerated pie crusts to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the medlars and apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Mix well until the fruits are coated evenly with the sugar and spices.
Step Three
Unroll one of the pie crusts and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess crust, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
Step Four
Pour the fruit mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and dot them over the fruit filling.
Step Five
Unroll the second pie crust and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any excess, then tuck the top crust edges under the bottom crust edges and crimp them together to seal the pie.
Step Six
Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Optionally, you can brush the top crust with an egg wash for a golden finish.
Step Seven
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
Step Eight
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade medlar and apple pie!
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