Thanksgiving Apple Cranberry Pie

Apple Cranberry Pie

Apple Cranberry Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, merging the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply when you're craving a comforting slice of pie. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, this pie will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Cooking Method

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until the fruit is well coated.

3. Assemble Pie: Roll out one half of the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple-cranberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

4. 

   Cover Pie: Roll out the second half of the pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top crust to give it a beautiful golden-brown color once baked.

6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set properly.

Nutritional Value

A slice of Apple Cranberry Pie provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates from the crust and fruit, making it an energy-rich dessert. The apples and cranberries offer a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. With moderate amounts of sugar and butter, this pie is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Perfect Pairings

To complement your Apple Cranberry Pie, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a contrasting flavor profile, a sharp cheddar cheese can also be an intriguing side. Pair this dessert with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of chilled apple cider. For a dinner party, a light arugula salad with walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette would make a refreshing side dish, balancing the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.