Weekend Apple Adventure (part 1- Mini Apple in Apple Pies)

It's FALL! 

And what does fall mean?? 

Get as many apples and pumpkins into as many foods as possible!

So that's exactly what Dan and I did last weekend- made as many things as possible with all the apples we bought. 

Dan and I had traveled to a local orchard that sells all things apple, including many different types of apples and the best apple cider donuts around.

We love apple picking, unfortunately this orchard lost all their apples due to the warm weather in the spring followed by freezing temperatures at night.

Fortunately for us, the orchard has other apple providers so that we could still get our apple fix. 

What's on the menu:

Mini Apple in Apple Pies, Apple Chips

Lets start with Mini Apple Pies (makes 8):

What's needed- 

1. 8-10 Granny Smith Apples- make sure they can stand on their own (the orchard didn't have granny smith, so we got mutsu, any golden-green apple will work)

2. 2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

3. 1/2 Cup of Sugar

4. 1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar

5. 1 Egg

6. Pie Crust- Dan and I got one box of premade pie crust and just sliced them 

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees F

The Process- 

Step 1: 

Cut the tops off all the apples and throw away. Remove the insides of the apples and place as much of the insides in a medium sized bowl- this will be the stuffing. This part can be a little hard depending on the type of apple, Dan did this part (made him feel manly). The easiest way to work around the core is to scoop around it for as long as possible, then dig deep down and get as much as possible. If you do not feel comfortable, peel and cut the extra apples for the filling.

*Note- make sure to NOT puncture the sides of the apples. 

Step 2: 

Mix apple insides, sugars, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. If you like more or less of either, make adjustments as needed. Also, since we did not get Granny Smith apples, the type we used were a little more juicy than desired, so we just added about 1/2 a cup of flour to soak it up. Once mixed, scoop filling into hollowed out apples.

Step 3:

Roll out pie crusts and cut into strips to place over the tops of the apples.

We did not make any super special patterns, just a simple lattice pattern. Make sure to press the ends of the crusts to the sides of the apples- they stay surprisingly well.

Step 4:

Take the egg and scramble in a small bowl. Use a brush or fork to dab the tops of the pie crusts with the egg. Mix a little bit of cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl and sprinkle of the top of each apple. 

Step 5:

Place a small amount of water in the bottom of your pan, just enough to cover the bottom. Place apples in pan, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the crusts get golden brown and the apples are soft. 

TA-DA!!!

How delicious do these apple pies look?!?! They are perfect to share or when you just want a little sweet for yourself :)

We decided to share one that had randomly exploded in the oven (was still amazing) and brought the rest to football Sunday, where they were promptly devoured.

Great for weekend holiday parties!