Crabapples grow abundantly in Appalachia and in other parts of the South. It takes a lot of these small apples to make 6 cups, but for people who love tart apples, this tiny powerhouse of a fruit is unbeatable. Depending on where you live, the season starts in August and sometimes continues into early winter. Whenever crabapple season occurs in your area, make it a point to slip this unusual treat into your yearly pie rituals. To core the crabapples, slice off the blossom end with a paring knife and cut around the core in four cuts. This will leave a squarish core, which is much easier than trying to halve and core the crabapples. If you can’t find crabapples, substitute tart apples, such as Granny Smith, and coat the diced apples with the vanilla, lemon juice, and water right away, instead of sprinkling them on after the pie is filled.
Recipe information
Yield
makes one 9-inch pie
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 rolled-out crust.
Step 2
Toss the crabapples with the sugar, flour, and salt. Spread the filling in the crust, then sprinkle with the vanilla, lemon juice, and water. Brush the rim of the crust with water, cover with the second rolled-out crust, seal and flute or crimp the edges, and cut a few steam vents in the top. Brush the top crust with the milk, then sprinkle with the sugar.
Step 3
Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake another 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours before slicing. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
