Apple pie

Apple pie is a comfort food and it is unofficially a symbol of America. I used almond flour which is made by blanching almonds, removing their skins and then grinding them to a fine powder. This flour is wheat-free and gluten-free. Wheat has a protein called gluten, which helps the dough to become fluffy on baking. For individuals who have an allergy to gluten, wheat can cause bloating and tiredness because of the autoimmune response of the body trying to remove gluten. So almond flour is a good alternative then.

The backdrop is the dense forest called Poongavanam surrounding the Sabarimala temple. This forest is part of the Periyar National park and wildlife sanctuary known for its elephant and tiger reserve.

Ingredients for the pie are,

For the pie crust,

Almond flour - 2 and 1/2 cup

Granulated sugar - 3 tsp

Salt - 1/4 tsp

Unsalted butter - 2 Tbsp

For the pie filling,

Unsalted butter - 5 Tbsp

Almond flour - 2 Tbsp

Water - a splash

Granulated sugar - 2 Tbsp 

Apple - 1 and 1/2 (279 g)

Ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp

Prepare the pie crust by combining all the ingredients. The mix will have a rough, coarse texture. 

Buttter the pie pan. Spoon the crust mix into it and press firmly down with your fingers to form a thin even pie base. Also press down with a back of a spoon. Poke it in many different places with the tines of a fork, otherwise the flour will bubble up when baking.

Preheat oven to 180C. Bake for 10 minutes. Take out and allow to cool before adding the filling.

In a saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add flour and water, and whisk. Add sugar too and continue to whisk until it melts.

Peel the apples and slice into thin pieces. Spoon in the apple sauce. Combine well so that all the slices are coated with the sauce. Sprinkle cinnamon and stir.

Add the apples to the middle of the pie crust and push some gently to the sides.

Preheat oven to 180C and bake for 30 minutes. Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Recipe ref : https://natashaskitchen.com/apple-pie-recipe/ and

https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/easy-low-carb-press-in-pie-crust/