I learned this trick of par-cooking the apples from America's Test Kitchen. The reason given for this is to avoid the apples shrinking during baking and leaving the large gap between the filling and the top crust. They suggest draining the apples, using only a small portion of the juice. I do drain, but do not discard the remainder. Instead, I reduce the juice to a small amount and mix it back into the apples or drizzle it on top of the filling just before attaching the top crust. It is wonderful - the filling is moist but not gloppy.
In my neck of the woods older bakers make an applesauce pie. My mom used to make these but I never payed much attention, I just wondered if it was ready to eat. She probably used a bit more spice and something to thicken. We just enjoyed it in a bowl with ice cream or milk.
You can fit a lot more apples that way, and the filling doeesn't sink- also gives an opportunity to add flavors.
for pre cooked apple pie done right, check out "Mom's Apple Pie" from Maia Heatter's "New Book of Great Desserts".
My go to apple pie recipe calls for a quick sauté with butter, spices and some booze before assembling the pie to bake. I guess to incorporate the ingredients and soften the apples a bit.
Hmm. If you have the time places the cooked apples in colander over a bowl to drain & firm up somewhat and keep in the fridge until tomorrow. The mix with cornstarch and make your pie per the recipe.
I did drain the apples for quite some time. Unfortunately the apples lost too much of their structure. There are still quite a few solids, but not enough to keep the pie servings from spreading all over the plates.
So, I will be using the apple goop for turnovers and apple butter. (No accidents, just happy trees, happy trees...)
Thank you though for your reply - I really appreciate it!
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for pre cooked apple pie done right, check out "Mom's Apple Pie" from Maia Heatter's "New Book of Great Desserts".
So, I will be using the apple goop for turnovers and apple butter. (No accidents, just happy trees, happy trees...)
Thank you though for your reply - I really appreciate it!