A 21st Century Grandma’s Apple Pie

One thing that you should probably know about me is that I love entertaining. Whether it’s getting friends together for a movie night, or a large group of people for a fun theme night, I love planning the little details that bring good friends together for a genuinely good time.

I believe the best kind of party is a dinner party. Maybe I’m crazy, but to me there is something pretty special about having all your closest friends and family talking over a meal you slaved to prepare, while sitting at a beautifully decorated table (that only looks expensive because of that pesky student budget)!

Now, I totally get that not every 20-something would actually enjoy cooking all day; however, entertaining is becoming a big trend! I’ve begun to notice that I get invitations for Christmas parties, theme nights, and even dinner parties more so than for the casual “hang out” with friends. The trick is knowing how to whip up a get-together that’s simple and not time consuming. Well, I have one dessert that may help this process!

The apple pie is a staple, especially around the holidays (the best time to entertain if you ask me). However, it is also a time-consuming dessert to make. Here, I have adapted an old-fashioned recipe into a modern treat that will leave you with time to spare!

You all may have your own family recipes to use for the filling. I used my own family’s apple pie recipe to make this dessert! If you don’t have a family recipe to use, you can go to sites like Simply Recipes and Crazy for Crust for inspiration. These sites are a go-to for me when I need to make quick and delicious dishes. This recipe serves eight.

Ingredients

Filling:

• 6 to 8 apples (may vary depending on how many you are serving); your favourite apples will work but I suggest Fuji apples for best results.
• 1 Tbsp of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (this will prevent the apples from browning as you slice them)
• ½ cup of white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp brandy (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup of cornstarch
• 3 cups of water

Pie:

• 1 L vanilla ice cream (the brand of your choosing)
• 1 box crushed graham crackers (the brand of your choosing)

Directions

1. Peel and slice apples thinly into a bowl.

2. Add lemon juice to apple slices.

3. Combine sugar, salt and, spices (allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon) in a bowl.

4. Mix water, vanilla extract and, cornstarch into dry ingredients.

5. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.

6. Once the mixture boils, keep it at a boil for two minutes.

7. Add the apples, turn to a simmer, and cover.

8. Stir often, until the apples soften (approx 5-8 minutes).

9. Pour into jars to cool to room temperature.

10. Add 1-2 scoops of ice cream (depending on guest preference).

11. Coat with graham crackers.

I hope you enjoy this at whatever your next get together may be, or even to just treat yourself—why not indulge a little?

Happy cooking!

Jill