Mini apple pies

Is your mouth watering yet?

When Matt and I were dating, we made an apple pie almost every Sunday.  He would make the filling, and I would make the crust. Then, we would feed it to his hungry parents and siblings who oohed and ahhed over it all night.  Today,  I can whip up a pie crust without even thinking about it, but I have to have him there to make the filling. 

We still love to make apple pie together and, on our last date, we decided to make mini apple pies in ramekins.  I love ramekins!  They are so cute, they make perfect individual portions, and it's like it a dollop of ice cream was just meant to sit right on top.   Have I mentioned that I love ramekins?!

Amaze yourself and make them right now

Start with 3-4 granny smith apples

Peel the apples (see if you can do it in one piece- it's just fun). 

Core and slice the apples, then place them in a saucepan.  Add 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, pinch of salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp flour.  Stir constantly over medium heat until thickened (5-7 minutes).  Set aside while you make the crust.

 smile- pie crust isn't hard, it's fun. This is my pie crust extraordinaire in training.  She is mixing 2/3 cup shortening into 2 cups all purpose flour and 1 tsp salt.  Use a fork or pastry cutter.  When it looks like coarse meal, add 6-7 Tbsp cold water one Tbsp at a time.  Form into a ball with your hands.  Now, divide that ball into 8 equally sized balls.  With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a 7" circle.  Put 4 crusts into the ramekins and set the other 4 aside.



Ladle the filling into the crusts.  Make sure to take a whiff of the delicious apples.

Next, place the top crust on each pie and crimp the edges. 

Make a few slits in the top with a knife.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

 Top with ice cream and enjoy!