Apple Pie
Recipe

This is an apple pie recipe, with a difference.....a lovely sweet pastry case base, plump apples and raisins inside and then topped with a lovely, crunchy crumble mixture that includes chopped hazelnuts.

For an extra touch of luxury, the raisins can if you wish be soaked in dark rum or brandy (instead of the water) for a couple of hours before assembling.

To save time later, the pastry base can be made beforehand and then frozen, unbaked. Simply defrost for an hour or two in the refrigerator. Also, the streusel topping can be made up to a week in advance and kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

Gourmet food........the EASY way!

Apple Streusel Pie

1 unbaked, short pastry shell
1½lb/700g sharp flavored dessert apples, peeled and cored
2oz/50g caster sugar
1 level tablespoon cornflour
1oz/25g seedless raisins

Streusel Topping
4oz/100g plain flour
3oz/75g butter, cut into cubes
2oz/50g light muscavado sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 level tablespoons toasted, chopped hazelnuts

icing sugar to decorate

METHOD

• Prepare the pastry case by following the recipe. Do not bake it.
  

• Allow the raisins to soak in hot water or rum for at least an hour.
  

• Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/gas mark 6.
  

• Sift together the flour and the cinnamon into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub between the finger tips until you have a rough crumble. Add the brown sugar and continue to rub together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of the chopped hazelnuts and mix through.
  

• Slice the apples medium/thickly.
  

• In a bowl, mix together the sugar and cornflour.
  

• Drain the raisins from the water.
  

• Arrange the apples in the pastry case, sprinkling the layers with the sugar mixture and the raisins. Form the slices into a mound which is higher in the center.
  

• Cover the apples with the streusel topping and pres down lightly. Sprinkle over the remaining chopped hazelnuts.
  

• Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 375°F/190°C/gas mark 5 and bake for a further 20 to 25 minutes or until the apples are tender - test with a knife.
  

• Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then dust with icing sugar and serve.

This deliciously easy apple pie recipe makes a perfect dessert for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or perhaps an informal Halloween party. Serve it slightly warm with scoops of your favorite ice cream or a jug of my delicious brandy sauce.

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