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French Apple Pie with Custard

What could be prettier than a lattice-top French Apple Pie? Or tastier than a French Apple Pie with Custard? Not much. Custard and a smidge of apricot preserves are the secret to this apple pie that is richer and creamier than your standard apple pie recipe. Pretty and decadent.

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Instructions

  • 1.Prepare pie pastry. Set aside.
  • 2.Preheat oven to 425° F.
  • 3.Combine 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour in a saucepan and mix well. Turn heat to medium and stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute.
  • 4.In a separate bowl, beat 3 of the egg yolks. Add a few tablespoons of the hot mixture into the egg yolks and beat to temper.
  • 5.Then pour egg yolks into saucepan, stirring continuously. Cook about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the vanilla. Turn off heat and turn into a bowl to cool.
  • 6.Core, pare, and slice the apples. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
  • 7.In a skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and the spices. Add apples and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • 8.Heat apricot preserves in a small saucepan on medium heat until warmed, about 2 minutes. This will thin the mixture and make it easier to spread.
  • 9.To assemble the pie: Roll out half of the pie crust and place in pie pan. Spread custard filling evenly over the bottom, then top with apples, and then the warmed apricot preserves.
  • 10.Roll out the 2nd half of the pie crust and cut into 12 strips, approx. 1/2” wide. Slightly moisten rim of pie shell with cold water. Arrange six strips across the pie and press to rim of shell.
  • 11.Then arrange (weave if you like) the remaining strips in the opposite direction to form a lattice. Tuck and trim edges and then crimp edges.
  • 12.Mix remaining egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush lightly on lattice strips, but NOT the edge of the pie crust.
  • 13.Bake in preheated oven until golden brown – check at 35 minutes.
  • 14.Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 prepared 9-inch deep-dish pie crusts (or your favorite homemade crust)
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 egg yolks, divided 3 + 1
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds tart cooking apples (Cortland work well)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon organic ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves