French Apple Pie

French Apple Pie is most commonly associated with the French region of Normandy where Tarte aux Pommes Normande is a well known dish.

However there are many slight variants of the dish throughout France and you will find Tarte aux Pommes in every boulangerie (cake/bread shop) or supermarket in France.

-- French Apple Pie --

French Apple Pie Recipe

Method

1. Sieve the flour and pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl or onto a clean work surface.
   
   
2. Roughly chop the butter into small squares and place it in a well in the center of the flour.
   
   
3. Using your finger tips, break  up the butter and mix it in with the flour till it resembles fine bread crumbs.
   
   
4. Make a well in the center of the mix and add the egg yolk.
   
   
5. Using your finger tips or a wooden spoon, gently incorporate the flour into the egg yolk, adding a tablespoon of cold water if the mixture is too dry.
   
   
6. Once done, the mixture should resemble a smooth ball of dough which isn't too sticky or too dry. Leave to rest 30 minutes in the fridge.
   
   
7. Preheat the oven to 200C/ 400F/ gas mark 6
   
   
8. Roll out the pastry to fit a 25cm /10 inch pie tin (lightly greased). Prick the base of the pastry case all over with a fork. Bake for about 10 mins until lightly colored
   
   
9. Peel and core the apples and cut into thin slices
   
   
10. Spread the apple puree on the base of the pastry case and the lay the apple slices on top. You may at this stage lightly sprinkle on some sugar depending on the sweetness of the apples and you can also add a few slithers of butter to add richness to the filling.
    
    
11. Place in the oven for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown.
    
    
12. Spread a thin layer of jam on top and pop back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the jam has melted and given a lovely glaze to the tart.
    
    
13. Serve hot or cold with cream. Delicious!

-- Tarte Aux Pommes --