That's right, it's the GOOD MAMA way! We bake pies with a toddler’s help. 

I am not much of a baker. I do love it, and I have plenty of recipes from my grandma, but I haven't done it much since becoming a mother. My youngest is a one year old and he thinks it's his job to help me whenever I am in the kitchen. So, when I decided to put together a quick and easy pie recipe for busy mamas, it only made sense that my toddler would wake up from his nap to help mama! 

Disclaimer, this pie is not beautiful! I was holding my baby half the time. I would recommend making this during nap time. The second time I made this pie (see photo below) I made it much prettier! It takes practice and nap-time to make this pie beautiful. However, it did taste very good! 

Without further ado, here is the easiest and yummiest apple piece recipe to help you look like that mama that's got it all together. 

Ingredients:

Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more to dust, *measured correctly
• 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 lb COLD unsalted butter (2 sticks) diced into 1/4" pieces
• 6 Tbsp ice water (6 to 7 Tbsp)

Apple Pie:

• 6-7 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored (2 1/4 lbs, or 7 cups thinly sliced) 
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg + 1 Tbsp sugar, for egg wash

How to put it together:

Start with your pie crust first.

This is super simple. Here is what you will need:

• Mixing bowl (medium size will work)
• Pie crust ingredients (keep your butter in the fridge until you are ready to use it; it’s easier to work with)

 

 

By the way, we do sell a super adorable rolling pin to emboss a beautiful design on your pie crust, click the photo above to check it out. 

Pro tip: if you only have salted butter just don't add the salt to the mix.

• Add the dry ingredients to the bowl.
• Take butter out of fridge and cut into small squares then add them to the dry ingredients. 

Time to get your hands dirty!

• Dig into the mix and smash the butter between your fingers. This is where you will have some fun and ensure you get the flaky crust. Work the butter into the mix for a few minutes.
• When the mix starts to clump together, begin to add the ice water. 
• This is where it becomes more dough like. You can begin to press the dough together in the bowl.
• On your workspace, powder it with flour and put the dough on it. Begin to fold over the dough on top of each other. (My photos are from my first time making it, my water wasn't cold enough and it made a difference from the second time I made the pie).
• Split the dough in two. Place in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for at least an hour (and while you make the pie filling).

 

 Next, let's make the secret sauce! 

• Get a medium sauce pan and put it on a medium heat. 
• Melt your butter in the pan and once it's melted add in the flour. Stir with a whisk constantly for a few minutes. Add in water and sugar while still stirring.
• Bring to a boil until it is a caramelized texture. 
• Remove from heat and set aside and let cool. 

Now, for the apples. 

• Peel and slice your apples. It's personal preference, but the thinner the better. 
• Once the apples are all sliced (put on some fun music to make the time go by) put them in a bowl and pour the secret sauce over the apples. 
• Add the cinnamon on the apples and mix together. 

Now, let's put it all together.

• Your pie crust should be cooled by now. Take one out of the fridge, powder your work space with flour and begin to roll out the dough. Roll it out an inch or so wider than your pan. Place it in your pan and trim the access with a knife neatly along the edges. (I didn't do that here and it made a difference in the end, looks-wise). 

• Once the bottom dough is in the pan, pour your apples in. Be sure to not let the apples touch the rim so the top dough will stick to it. 

• Get your other piece of dough out of the fridge, powder your workspace with flour and roll it out in a circle the size of your pan. 
• Take a pizza cutter and cut it in 1 in slices. 

• Start with the middle strip and place it over your pie in the center, adding all the stripes about an inch apart going the same direction. 
• When adding the pieces the opposite direction, fold up half way every other piece. 

Here I would recommend cutting the crust off with a sharp knife or pizza cutter and let the rim of the pie pan guide the knife. Then you can pinch the edges of the pie to make it look decorated and on purpose. 

 Lastly, you want to rub egg wash on the top crust. 

To make it extra tasty sprinkle a sugar and cinnamon mix on top. 

Time to put it in the oven.

Bake in the oven at 425 for 15 minutes, then without opening the oven, lower the temperature to 350 and bake for 45 minutes. 

 

This is the first pie I made (above) my second one I baked (below) the flour was better because the water was colder and I made a cuter design on the edges. (Although, I accidentally dropped a lot of cinnamon on top).

Enjoy your apple pie! Even if it doesn't look beautiful it will taste amazing and you will be proud to share it with your loved ones.

Remember, it's about the journey, so even if it doesn't look perfect, you made a pie! That is a great accomplishment, especially if it's with a toddler in the kitchen. 

xo

Kendra