Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
2. Prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and slicing them into thin, even pieces. You should have about 6 cups of sliced apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can enhance the flavor of your pie.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
4. Let the apple mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices, which will help create a delicious filling.
5. While the apple mixture is resting, prepare your pie crusts. You can use store-bought pie crusts for convenience or make your own from scratch. If using store-bought, allow them to come to room temperature according to package instructions.
6. Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure to press it into the corners and remove any excess dough hanging over the edges. This will be your bottom crust.
7. Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice has a good amount of filling.
8. Dot the top of the apple filling with 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces. This will add richness and flavor to the pie.
9. Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the filled pie. You can either cut slits in the top crust to create a lattice pattern or simply cover the pie with the whole crust.
10. If using a whole top crust, cut a few slits in it to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
11. Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pie and crimp the edges to seal the pie. You can use your fingers or a fork to create a decorative edge.
12. Optionally, you can brush the top crust with a little milk or beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
13. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking. This will make for easier cleanup.
14. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
15. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
16. Serve your Real Deal Apple Pie warm, or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!