Hi folks.
This week the Sunday Supper crew is helping raise awareness for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. So many lives were affected by the storm and continue to be affected. I cannot even fathom what it must be like. These families have lost so much. So anything to help raise money to help those in need is a cause I can stand behind.
I live in an area very untouched by natural disasters. I am not sure why this area in Ontario seems like a safe zone. There was a tornado that hit about 30 minutes away years ago. Other than that nothing much happens here. So it’s hard for me to fully grasp what folks affected by them must go through. All I can do is try to put myself in their shoes. When I do it tears me apart. I have so much empathy for them. I’ve lost people I’ve cared about so it’s easy to relate to that kind of pain. But I’ve never lost my house, or my photos, or memento’s that mean the world to the family. Ours lives are so intertwined with our homes. There’s so much sentiment and attachment to the things handed down through generations. So many memories tied to family photos. So imagine losing all those things. My heart just aches thinking about it. If I try to go to the place where lives were lost I can’t even bear it. It touches me on such a deep level. I lost my mom when I was 15 so my empathy for anyone who has lost a family member is strong.
All anyone can do now is try to help. The Sunday Supper crew thought it would be a nice gesture to help raise awareness and also provide our readers with links to organizations that can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you are in a position to help please consider donating. It’s such a worthwhile cause. The links are at the bottom of the post along with all the other Sunday Supper participants. Please take the time to visit them and reach deep into your pockets if you’re able to help out. To those who have been personally touched by this I offer the biggest virtual hug I can. And some virtual pie. Cuz pie just warms the heart like a big old hug!
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons vanilla salt
- 1 cup butter, cold, cubed
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening, cold, cubed
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 more teaspoon ice water
- 6 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- ½ cup Vanilla Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Vanilla Sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Juice from half a small lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Leftover pie dough
- Food Colouring
- In a large bowl combine the flour, salt, butter and margarine. Use a pastry blender to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle with first batch of water and incorporate it until dough comes together. Do not overwork.
- Add more water if necessary.
- Divide into two balls.
- Roll out dough between two pieces of waxed paper.
- Roll first one into the non stick sprayed pie plate.
- Roll out second and set aside in the fridge till ready to use. (not now, after the pie is filled, right now your blind baking it)
- Pop in a preheated 450 degree oven for 30 minutes. Use pie weights.
- Remove and let cool.
- Mix apples, both sugars, flour, salt, spices and lemon together. Let set for about 15 minutes to allow the lemon and sugar to work a little magic on the apples.
- Pour into cooled pie crust.
- Sprinkle the top with butter.
- If you are like me you'll probably want to add more nutmeg and cinnamon. I love adding more to the top.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes on 450 degrees.
- Remove and allow to cool.
- Remove other half of dough from fridge.
- Cut tree pattern into it. (Save the excess dough)
- Place over pie and cut off excess. (Save the excess dough)
- Pinch the ends so it's pretty.
- Now take the leftover dough and add food colouring to it. I only had green for some weird reason so I did green leaves, but it would look smashing with fall colours.
- Roll small pieces into balls. Then flatten them out into almost diamond shapes. Then use your fingers or a knife to shape them into leaves. Use the knife or finger to make little marks so they look like leaves. Place them randomly on the tree cutout. Press down.
- Place pie in 450 degree oven for 30 minutes, then lower oven to 350 degrees for another 30 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool.
- Cut into pieces.
- Serve with a big old apple smile!
You can use regular salt, sugar and brown sugar if you like. If you’d like to make your own Vanilla Salt, Vanilla Sugar or Vanilla Brown Sugar it’s worth the effort. I love whipping batches of all of them. Just makes for more interesting baking.
The inspiration for this pie comes from the incredibly talented Amy of Family Feedbag. She makes amazing pies. I made her Spring Apple Pie and had the pleasure of interviewing her earlier in the year. She is a really gifted cook. Make sure you stop by her blog if you aren’t familiar with it. You will be amazed at all the fabulous stuff she whips up.
Thanks to Isabel of Family Foodie for being Sunday Supper’s fearless leader. A special thanks to Lizzy of That Skinny Chick Can Bake for hosting this week’s event. I will have the distinct pleasure of meeting Lizzy in a few days. We’re pulling a Thelma and Louise for the conference we’re attending. So excited to meet her in person. And hoping my tummy behaves itself for the hour-long car ride to the hotel. Poor Lizzy has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.
Feeling inspired? Join us Around the Family Table for Sunday Supper and let’s make a difference in the lives of others. Our #SundaySupper this week is all about #HelpingHands to those that need our help.
- Breakfast and Brunch:
- Orange Rolls from That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
- 12-Grain Buttermilk Pancake Mix from What Smells So Good
- Cranberry Bread from Home Cooking Memories
Comforting Casseroles and Entrées:- Pork Chop Casserole from In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Basic Lasagna from Fast Food 2 Fresh Food
- Italian Sausage and White Bean Bake from Girlichef
- Turkey and Vegetable Pasta Bake from Gotta Get Baked
- Enchilada Pasta Casserole from Dinners Dishes and Desserts
- Spaghetti Pizza Bake from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Gluten Free Spaghetti Squash with Pancetta from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Cabbage Koftas from Soni’s Food
- Bowtie Marinara with Goat Cheese from Family Foodie
Warming Soups and Sides:- Italian Wedding Soup from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Soul Warming Butternut Squash Soup from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese “Croutons” from Damn Delicious
- Corn Basil Handpies from Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Manhattan Clam Chowder from Noshing with the Nolands
- Comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup from Juanita’s Cocina
- San Antonio Chicken Tortilla Bake from The Weekend Gourmet
- Peruvian Steak and Potato Stir-fry from Hip Foodie Mom
- Homemade Chicken Soup from Daddy Knows Less
- New Orleans Red Beans and Rice for Those in Need from The Catholic Foodie
- Sweet and Sassy Pineapple Stuffing from In the Kitchen with KP
Sweet Endings:- Pound Cake Loaf from Magnolia Days
- Dairy-free Marble Cake {Marmorkuchen} from Galactopdx
- Mini Dark Chocolate Cakes with Mint Chocolate Chip Icing from The Realistic Nutritionist
- Orange Pound Cake from Basic n Delicious
- Spicy Gingerbread with a Mocha Glaze from Daily Dish Recipes
Choc Chip Uru says
A beautifully expressed post my friend, I agree, I don’t think it is possible to truly comprehend the situation until you have been it but we can offer all our support! Beautiful pie 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kim Bee says
Thanks Uru. I feel the same way.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
So fitting to share an apple pie with someone who needs comfort Kim. Those green leaves are a sweet idea, it looks wonderful! Have a great day
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Paula.
Ramona says
Beautiful pie for a worthy cause. We all take life and our personal comfort for granted. It’s good to bring the plight of those suffering to the forefront so we can continue to help.
Kim Bee says
So well said Ramona. Thanks so much.
Kate @ Kate from Scratch says
I love apple pie. Great way to show your support. Beeautiful post and a beautiful pie.
Renee says
I’m looking at that crust and wishing I could take a slice right out of the screen. Apple pie is very comforting. The tree design on the top is brilliant! I love nature and already missing the green on the trees.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Oooh this pie looks delectable, and I love that you used vanilla flavored ingredients to take it to the next level! MMMMM!
Jenn and Seth says
what a delicious apple pie to share – looks so delicious!
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
I live in hurricane country and have been through a few doozies, but nothing that’s taken away everything I own. I can’t imagine how that pulls the heart and oomph out of someone either. You really did pick a perfect dish to make. Apple pie is total comfort food; a hug in food form.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
Dude…your pie has leaves!!!!
Family Foodie says
This apple pie looks absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing during #SundaySupper
Bea says
Yes, I agree apple pie warms the heart 🙂 – it looks so good.
Jaim @ Jaim's Kitchen says
Such a heart-felt post, I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your mum at such a young age. Am sure the victims of the hurricane would greatly appreciate what you and all the other lovely Sunday Supper members are doing. God bless x
Carla says
Only you would put a tree on your pie LOL Love it, Kim!
Tara Noland says
Looks great, I love apple pie!!! Lovely heartfelt post too!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I can never eat a piece of apple pie without thinking of my grandmother. She made the best pies ever. I really like your pie. 🙂
Soni says
This Pie looks and sounds delicious!! I love apple desserts and could easily finish this off in a few minutes
:)The tree looks fantastic!
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
Your wonderful post would make this apple pie taste like the best ever made.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Is there anything more comforting than a slice of apple pie?! And I love how you decorated this – so cute!
Katerina says
No one can really understand the situation unless he lives it! This is such a beautiful cause and such a tasty pie!!
kitchenriffs says
Great cause, great pie. Really such a nice post. I’ve experienced hurricanes before, and the amount of destruction and misery they can cause is astonishing. Thanks for reminding us that help is needed.
Sarah says
I bet anyone affected by hurricane Sandy would love to forget about their troubles for a few minutes with this wonderful home made pie.
Dara says
What a beautiful pie. Apple is, and always will be, my favorite.
Liz says
Haha…we’ll make some memories for sure! I love your pie crust…so very cool! You’ve inspired my inner artist to try something like this. And apple pie is one of my very faves!
Cucina49 says
That is a beautiful, festive-looking pie! And of course, a great cause for a fundraiser.
Janet@FCTC says
This looks wonderful, Kim. Nothing beats a good old fashioned apple pie… except maybe one with a tree on it! Cool!
Sarah says
love the colouring idea for the crust! I’m so stealing that for Christmas
Beth Michelle says
What a great post and delicious pie! My mom lives on Long Island and got hit bad by the storm but not nearly as bad as others. Wonderful cause.
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Pie is definitely the most comforting dishes, especially in helping hands…
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
No food can hug you like apple pie! And I love the addition of the vanilla sugars.
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says
What a nice idea to raise money. I totally agree – pie is like a big hug!
Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite says
You have my so curious about vanilla salt. I have never heart of such a think but I am definitely going to give your recipe a try.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Great post! I also could not imagine loosing everything. . photos. . the things that are irreplaceable. . so sad. . all we can do is help how we can and be thankful for what we have and our loved ones.
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says
Hehe the green looks like little brussels sprouts peeking up over the crust. I was very confused! Looks lovely though 🙂
Frank @ Kraemers Culinary Blog says
Thanks for helping out in the Sandy recovery. My family and I are just getting our lives back to normal. After being flooded out and without power, heat or clean water for almost 3 weeks. I wish I had this pie during that time. However, things are getting better and I can truly say there are many good people around us willing to help. I’ve seen it first hand. Thank you Kim for making a difference.
Terra says
Oh that pie looks delicious, and I love what you did on the crust….what a fun idea! Yum, Hugs, Terra