Apple Tart

This is pretty much the only apple pie I make. I got this recipe over 30 yrs ago, when I married my husband - it's from his Mom.

My Mom often made pies as well, but she always made them with double crusts and I don't want that much pastry. I do make a great pastry. . . . but this one has no top and almost all the other pies I make just have a lattice top :)

1 unbaked pie crust

6 apples - peeled and halved.

Sprinkle 2 T of flour on bottom of pie crust and 3 T sugar.  Slice about 1 1/2-2 apples on top. Lay the apple 1/2's around the outside of the pan and one in the middle. Sprinkle 3/4 c sugar all over the apple 1/2's and inbetween.  Drizzle 1/3 c water over top (and between apples). Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Bake 350 for about 1 hour until when you put a knife tip in the apple you can feel that they are soft. (I don't like crunchie apple pies) ENJOY ♥ serve with  sharp cheese 

SINGLE PIE CRUST

 I know there is A LOT of discussion about the best pie crust, but this is the one that I use.  I have tried several and still come back to this one.  Recently on the PW (Pioneer Woman) blog, she had a pie crust taste test. She had different results than me, so YOU be the judge ♥

My family prefers lattice on the top of our pies or crumbs. With this single pie crust, I am able to also have some left over for that. 

Also, I have tried it in the Cuisinart.  I have not had the same flaky results with this method either.  Pulsing the ingredients is fine but adding the water in it doesn't seem to mix consistently into forming the pastry ball.

PS - don't over handle the pastry! That will make it tough.
I'd love to know what you think.  What's your best pie crust recipe and why??

SINGLE PIE CRUST
1/2 c shortening
1 1/3 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
3-4 T ICE water (this is very important)
Blend first 3 ingredients with a pastry blender.  Add 3 T to start and lightly mix in with your hand. If it seems a little dry, add 1T more of water.  Roll out on floured surface (I then put in fridge while I mix up the filling for the pie). Enjoy!

"Dewey's" Raspberry/Blackberry Custard Pie

My 'baby'  brother took the train down from Canada to celebrate his BIG 50!!  I LOVE to make people feel special by cooking them their favorite meal and letting them pick their favorite dessert for their birthday meal.  Well, there were several things that he requested for dinners, but didn't email me any dessert ideas.  I do know that he loves my rhubarb custard pie, so I decided to experiment with changing the fruit in this pie.  He LOVED it!! Said it was his new favorite!! I love it when that happens♥

1 1/2 c sugar

1/4 c flour

dash of salt

Add 3 beaten eggs; beat til smooth.

4 cups berries OR 4 cups - 1inch slices rhubarb.

Prepare pastry.  Fill with mixture. Dot with 2 T butter and then lattice on top.  Bake at 400 for 50 minutes.

ENJOY & don't forget to savor every bite ♥