A Slice of America: Homemade Classic Apple Pie

American cuisine is known for its comfort food, and one dessert that stands out is Classic Apple Pie. This iconic pie features a buttery and flaky crust filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. It's a staple at family gatherings and holiday dinners across the United States. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Classic Apple Pie, allowing you to enjoy a slice of America in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Pie Crust*:
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons of ice water

*For the Apple Filling*:
- 6-7 cups of tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

*For Finishing*:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sugar, for sprinkling

**Instructions**:

**For the Pie Crust**:

1. In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. While pulsing, gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough starts to come together.

3. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

**For the Apple Filling**:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

**For Making the Pie**:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Roll out one of the chilled pie crusts on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place it in the dish and trim any excess dough.

3. Add the apple filling to the pie crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.

4. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

5. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

6. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

**To Bake**:

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

2. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

3. Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.

Now, you can enjoy a slice of America with your Homemade Classic Apple Pie. This dessert is a perfect representation of American cuisine and is ideal for experiencing the comforting and sweet flavors of the United States in your own kitchen. Enjoy!