The Sweetest Tradition: Rachel’s Famous Apple Pie

The Sweetest Tradition: Rachel’s Famous Apple Pie

There’s something about Thanksgiving that brings us all back to the table.

The scent of cinnamon in the air, the sound of laughter echoing through the kitchen, and the comfort of gathering with loved ones — it’s one of those moments where time seems to slow down, even just for a little while.

For our founder, Rachel Dow, Thanksgiving has always been about creating memories around the food that brings people together. And one recipe, in particular, has become something of a legend in her family — her famous apple pie.

When we asked Rachel about the story behind it, she laughed and shared:

“There came a point in life in which I realized that I was an adult and I needed to learn to cook. Clearly not thinking, I went to the grocery store and picked up Gourmet Magazine and started my intro into cooking haha. I became obsessed with creating these complex and challenging meals and it became my passion for a season ... until I found tennis :-)

Anyway, so enthralled with the magic of the kitchen, I took a deep dive into cooking classes next. I fell in love with The Chopping Block in Chicago. We met in this little old white house with creaky wood floors. Walking into this adorable house with the fall leaves turning yellow, orange and red was amazing enough, but entering into this small home full of the amazing aromas of a true cook's kitchen was an overload of the senses.

It was here that I took a four-hour Thanksgiving class and learned the apple pie that I became famous for. This pie only appears in November and December and never disappoints. Unsalted Plugra butter is a must! I have a million little notes on my recipe full of all the tips and tricks that create this masterpiece. I hope this pie becomes a favorite for your loved ones as well!!”

 

the Recipe

Pie or Tart Dough  (Make one double crust pie or 2 tarts): 

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

Pinch of salt

6 ounces unsalted butter, chilled

1/4 cup shortening, chilled

1/4 cup ice water

Instruction:

Put the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl or food processor. Cut the butter and shortening into small pieces and add them to the processor. Blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly and you can feel small bits of butter throughout the flour.


Turn the dough out onto a work surface and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Ingredients: 

3 1/2 pounds Apples (Granny Smith Apples), peeled, cored and quartered (6-8 cups)

6 tablespoons flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 recipe pie dough

2 tablespoons unsalted Plugra butter, cut into pieces

Heavy cream, for garnish

Instruction:

Toss together the apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then let the mixture sit. Roll out the bottom crust and place it in a pie dish. (When making the crust, divide it into two unequal parts — a larger portion for the bottom and a smaller portion for the top.) Add the filling and sprinkle small pieces of butter on top. Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pinching or pressing with a fork. Brush the top of the pie with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with sugar.


Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1½ hours, until the filling is bubbly and the apples are tender. Allow the pie to cool before cutting.

Rachel's Playlist

Warm, Romantic, and A Little Nostalgic