Reader Recipe

Grandma Joanne’s Bag Apple Pie

Tastebud reader Dena Sneed sent in this no-fail recipe for apple pie and tells us, "This Dutch apple pie comes out perfect every time!  You don't roll out the crust and you bake it in a brown paper bag...needless to say, I didn't leave my kitchen the first time I baked it (in my gas oven, no less!).  My good friend Mary Pepitone gave me the recipe after she brought me one of these pies.  I've passed it on to at least a dozen other friends. It’s really terrific and couldn’t be easier."

Dena recommends granny smiths; check your farmer’s market as you should be able to find a nice selection of locally-grown apples.

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups Vidalia onions, cut into thin slices; quarter each slice and separate into pieces
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Cake:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• Blend and mold into pie pan. (You can use this crust for any pie!)

Filling:

• 2 Tbsp. Flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 heaping cups sliced apples
• Mix all of filling and pour into piecrust

Topping:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• Mix and put on top of apples. Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.

Place pie in a brown paper bag. Fold open end. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. DON’T PEEK!!

ENJOY!