Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man's Pie)

Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man's Pie)

Ingredients 

The secret to this pie lies in its straightforward yet flavorful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling:

• 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for tartness and sweetness)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

• 1 egg (beaten, for an egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up this sweet, rustic delight? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips.
2. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a rough circle about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spoon the apple filling onto the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
4. Roll out the second half of the dough into another rough circle. Carefully place it over the apples.

Step 4: Seal and Decorate

1. Fold the edges of the bottom crust over the top crust to seal the pie. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a rustic look.
2. Cut a few small slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Optional: Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkling finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool slightly before slicing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or enjoy it plain for a wholesome treat.