Grandma's Perfect Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

Step 2

Add flour into a large bowl. Then add in 1 cup of lard broken up into chunks. Then use a fork or pastry cutter and start mixing the lard into the flour. Mix it together just long enough that it starts to incorporate and create a crumbly mixture.You don't want to overdo it and it's okay if there are still some big chunks of lard.

Step 3

Start adding in ice water to your dough mixture. Start with about 1/3 of a cup and gently start mixing it into the dough.If your dough still seems dry and is not sticking together, add in a tablespoon of water more at a time until your dough comes together.During this phase keep in mind that less is better. If you over mix the dough that is what creates a tough crust.

Step 4

Once your dough has come together, split the dough into two portions. One being bigger than the other.The larger portion will be for the bottom crust and the smaller portion will be for the top crust.

Step 5

Roll out the bottom crust onto a floured surface. If the dough it sticky continue adding flour to the surface and on top of your dough until it no longer sticks to your rolling pin.Then use a thin spatula to lift the dough off of the surface and place it in a pie dish.

Step 6

Get your top crust ready and set it aside. Roll it out just like you did for the bottom crust.

Step 7

Wash, peel, and thinly slice 6-8 granny smith apples. I use this Johny Apple Peeler and it is amazing!

Step 8

Add a 1/4 of flour and 1/4 of the sugar into the bottom of your crust and gently mix together.Then add in about 1/3 of your sliced apples. Sprinkle with a little bit of the remaining sugar and cinnamon.Then alternate sprinkling the remaining sugar and cinnamon while adding in the remaining apples.

Step 9

Add on your top crust. Then cut off the extra crust hanging over the edge leaving about an inch.Then fold the bottom crust over the top crust and pinch together.Then to create a scalloped edge, use your thumb and index finger on the inside edge of the crust and use your index finger to press the crust in between your fingers.

Step 10

Cut slits into the top of the crust and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 11

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Then turn down the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 35-45 minutes until the apples are soft.Keep an eye on the crust and if it is golden brown and the apples feel soft enough when poked with a knife then remove the pie from the oven.If the crust is golden brown and the apples are not yet soft enough, place a piece of foil over the pie and continue baking until the apples are softer.