Fourth of July Apple Pie

I usually don't do deserts - too many measurements - but this apple pie is quick and easy and tastes great. I use Pillsbury packaged pie dough to save time, Their dough is consistent and tastes good.


                                                     Fourth of July Apple Pie


1 package Pillsbury pie dough
1 packaged pie crust
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
3 Gala apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
1 T butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 T All Purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 tsp lemon juice

Mix sugar, flour, and spices in a bowl. Place apple slices in a bowl and add lemon juice. Combine apples and spice mixture and place in a 9 inch pie shell.

For a nicely decorative ornate lattice top, cut pastry dough into 3/4 inch strips. It is better to assemble lattice on wax paper on a cutting board than on top of pie. Make sure dough is cold.  Lay 1 strip across middle of board. Cross with 2nd strip. Weave strips basket-like to edge of wax paper - 9 inches. If dough warms, return to refrigerator to cool. Reverse wax paper lattice strips on top of pie. remove wax paper. Melt butter and brush across lattice top. You can sprinkle on a little sugar for sweeter crust.

Cook in 450 degree oven for 10  minutes, and then reduce temperature to 350 and cook 30 minutes or until crust edges are brown. 

Allow to cool before slicing. A little whipped cream or ice cream over the top brings it up a notch.