Estonian-style apple pie


Apple slices are arranged on a bottom crust in a deep dish pan and baked to perfection.
Image Copyright Estonian Private Collection
Description : Apple slices are arranged on a bottom crust on a cookie sheet with low sides and baked to delicate perfection.
Comments : INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp finely ground cardamom (optional)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 egg slightly beaten
3/4 cup butter or margarine

2 1/2 cups cored,
peeled, thinly sliced apples
(approx. 7 to 9 apples)
1/2 tsp (or so) cinnamon for sprinkling on top of apples

METHOD:

Combine flour, sugar and baking powder (with cardamom and/or cinnamon) in a bowl. Add butter and slightly beaten egg. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse meal. Spread the dough into a 15 x 9 inch cookie pan, pressing it down with your hands. Cover it with the apple slices, neatly overlapping them in rows. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake in 375 degrees F oven for 30 minutes or until brown.


OPTIONAL:

For additional visual appeal, when cooled, the pie may be covered with red or clear commercial fruit glaze (available at Scandinavian and German delicatessens), strawberry glaze (available in the fruit section of most supermarkets) or 3/4 cup of warmed red currant jelly.


Alberta's Estonian Heritage