New Mexico Apple Pie Recipes

NEW MEXICAN APPLE PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust: Cut the lard into 1/2-inch cubes; transfer to a plate and freeze at least 1 hour. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in the lard with 2 knives until the mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-size bits of lard (do not overmix). A little at a time, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup ice water until the dough holds together when squeezed; the amount of water will vary depending on the humidity. (You can also make the dough in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.) Divide the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap; use the plastic to help form each half into a disk. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Make the filling: Combine the apples, flour, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lemon juice, green chiles and pine nuts in a large bowl and toss. Let sit 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Roll out 1 disk of dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Ease into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, then spoon the filling into the crust. Roll out the remaining disk of dough into a 12-inch round; lay the dough over the filling. Press the 2 crusts together around the edge, then fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp with your fingers. Cut a few slits in the top crust or prick with a fork to let steam escape. Whisk the egg with 1/4 cup water and brush over the top crust. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
• Bake, rotating the pie every 20 minutes, until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely. Serve with ice cream.

APPLE GREEN-CHILE PIE WITH CHEDDAR CRUST

Steps:

• Make the crust: In a food processor or mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour and salt. Add butter one piece at a time, while pulsing or mixing at low speed, until mixture is fine and crumbly. Transfer to a large bowl and toss well with the cheese. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with fingers just until dough holds together. To test, pinch a small amount of dough. If it is crumbly, add more ice water. Form dough into a ball, wrap loosely in plastic, then roll into a disk. Refrigerate at least one hour, or up to 3 days, before rolling. (Dough can be frozen for up to a month.)
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a circle at least 11 inches in diameter. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, preferably glass. Turn edges under to make a thick rim; flute rim by pinching into a zigzag pattern. Refrigerate until ready to bake, at least an hour.
• Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss apples, green chilies and lemon juice together. In another bowl, mix dry ingredients and add to apples and chilies, tossing until thoroughly coated.
• Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, walnuts and brown sugar. Add melted butter and toss together until crumbly.
• Bake the pie: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Using a slotted spoon, scoop filling into chilled crust, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of juice from bottom of bowl. Sprinkle topping evenly over filling. Bake 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until filling bubbles at edge and crust is brown. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

NEW MEXICO APPLE PIE

Steps:

• Make filling: put apple slices in a big bowl; top will all the remaining ingredients, except lemon juice; mix well.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
• Set mixture aside to blend while the crust is being prepared.
• Make the crust: in a big bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut in the butter and shortening.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, vinegar, and water.
• Add to the flour mixture and blend with your hands until moist; add more water if needed.
• Preheat oven to 425°; divide dough into 2 sections.
• On a floured board, roll out each section into 11-inch rounds; fit 1 round into a 9-inch pie pan, and spread the piñon nuts evenly in the bottom.
• Mound the filling on top; place the second pastry round on top.
• Flute the edges and cut vent holes in the top crust.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then decrease temperature to 400° and continue baking for 1 hour or until the juices bubble around the outer edge (cover with foil, if crust starts to get too brown).