#round 1: sarah vs.pie

[kookingwithkitties]

Round 1: Sarah vs. Pie

While I did not take any pictures of the process like I had wanted to, I did, in fact, make the pie. I have been busy throughout the last weeks what with the holidays and all and, of course, making other tasty foods like Vanilla Buckwheat Banana Waffles,

Cran-Raspberry Oatmeal Bars,

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with a Sage, Brown Butter and Balsamic Sauce,

and without a doubt the best Paneer Tikka Masala I have ever made!

(Just let me know if you want the recipe for any of these) :)

However, I was very excited about making my first pie for this challenge. It was a tough decision on which pie to start with, but in the end, I chose a classic. Apple Pie! I figured I’d start off slowly with my pie crust ineptitude and go Dutch. With that being said, Sunday morning, John and I performed our ritual farmer’s market excursion to stock up on this week’s fresh veggies and fruit. The apple stand was gorgeously stocked with Pink Ladies and Granny Smiths…

I grabbed 4 grannies and 1 lady since I like my apple pie more tart than sweet. I peeled, cored and quartered and proceeded to toss them in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of vanilla. Next was the topping – brown sugar, cubed butter, flour, more cinnamon and quick oats.

I had put off the crust long enough. It had to be done. The night before I consulted the book The Lost Art of Pie Making: Made Easy, courtesy of Vicki, and decided to try “Barb’s Butter Crust.” As I said, I am completely inept at making crust, so I chose this one first as a starter crust. I followed her guidance and combined the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, butter and ice water. Apparently, the baking powder gives the crust a little lift, making it flakier, and a bit of sugar makes the crust brown nicely. I kept it in the fridge overnight and come time, I pulled it out and thawed it a bit on the counter.

I stared at it. Just stared. Like it was some strange creature that I was trying to figure out. It, in turn, was challenging me. It wanted to sucker punch me and beat me at its own game. Well, I wasn’t going to have it!

I dusted my new pastry mat with flour and grabbed my rolling pin. I threw the disk of dough on the mat and rolled it flat. I then carefully rolled the dough on the pin and unrolled into my pie dish. So far, so good!

I tried my best at crimping the edges; I may have to watch a YouTube tutorial for next time (ouch)…but I spooned in my apples, covered them with the topping mix and put it in the oven. 60 minutes later, we had this–

I am quite proud for it for 3 reasons:

My first pie of 2014

The first crust that wasn’t completely full of holes

The first crust that tasted delicious

It was just wonderful to share with my boo, Nate and Hailey and to ring in the New Year with friends, as the cats slept soundly in the bedroom.

Round 1 – Sarah 1, Pie 0. Who will be victorious next week in Sarah vs. Pie? Check back to find out!

Happy New Year Everyone! Cheers to 2014!

  Recipe adapted from Completely Delicious