Pie!
Last week I hosted my annual Macmillan coffee morning. Firstly, thank you if you attended, or if you donated, or both! As usual I thought we needed more food, so of course, I had a few spare ideas ready just in case. So I had made a pastry case. It was pre baked and ready. It needed filling. Of course there was enough food! Some of my lovely friends brought some bits too and the pastry case sat in the fridge all lonely and waiting. There are all sorts of pie and my first thoughts were mincemeat and apple, or pumpkin, but then I might have had to eat it all myself! I had apples, but only a few, then for some reason I just thought, why not create an apple and custard pie! Oh it’s good! Really really good!
The Apple & Custard Pie Recipe
This is a relatively straightforward recipe with standard ingredients. The pastry is flour, butter and water. The apples are lightly cooked in water with a bit of cinnamon (and sugar if you need it sweeter). The custard is milk, vanilla, sugar and either cornflour or custard powder. One extra ingredient just to keep the base crunchy and prevent a soggy bottom is a bit of jam. You can add a bit of brown sugar to the top for colour, but this is more for aesthetics than taste.
Apple pie ready to serve with custard inside the pie!
- 1 batch shortcrust pastry (make your own or ready made) https://www.lifediethealth.com/perfect-pastry-for-mince-pies/
- 1 batch thick custard (make your own or ready made) https://www.lifediethealth.com/back-to-basics-custard-youll-love-to-stop-you-buying-ready-made/
- 3-4 cooking apples
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons jam (strawberry or apricot)
- splash of milk
- sprinkle of brown sugar
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Grease and dust (with flour) your deep round dish or pan. Make your pastry (or use ready made), chill for 20 minutes, then roll out 2/3rds and use it to line the base and sides of your pan. Prick the base several times with a fork, then bake at Gas Mark 6 (400f / 200c) for about 15 minutes. The base should be golden all over.
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Whilst your base is cooking, prepare your custard (or remove it from the fridge / open the can/carton).
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Peel then chop your apples into bite size chunks, then place in a pan with enough water to just cover them. Heat until the water is boiling, then reduce the heat and allow to cook through until they still hold their shape. Drain well (drink the juice – it is good), then mix the cinnamon in.
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Roll out the remainder of the pastry into a large circle (enough to cover the top and edge of your pan.
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Spread the jam over the pastry case base, then add the custard and level it out. Scatter the apple chunks over the top, then cover with your pastry lid. Crimp the edges of the lid onto the rim of your dish, then cut off any excess pastry. Prick a few holes in the lid.
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Brush (or dab/rub) your pie with milk and sprinkle with brown sugar if you wish.
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Bake your pie for 20-30 minutes Gas Mark 5 (375f / 190c) until the top is golden brown.
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Slice and enjoy!
What do I need?
This recipe should only call for equipment you already have in your kitchen, but if you are new to cooking or your kitchen needs a refresh, here are a few useful things you might like. I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!
Serving
You can serve this pie just as it is! It has the pie, apple and custard all in one! Of course, you could add some cream or ice-cream if you wish! Serve it hot, warm or cold, it’s great anyway.
Storage
This will store quite well, either in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, cut or portion if necessary and separate with greaseproof paper. Remember to label and freeze your pie – this one is best not served with potatoes, peas and gravy!
Sharing
I hope you make this totally delicious pie and see how very tasty it is! I love seeing your adaptions and interpretations of my recipes and I’d love to see your photos of this (decorations on top optional)!
Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
