When we have dinner at mum and dads' most of the time I am in charge of dessert. Of course I have no objection to this and am always excited to provide a sweet treat for after our delicious dinner (wich it always is when mum cooks). On this particular occasion a friend was visiting from Sydney the week we left for NYC and I was given just one brief from mum - something warm and fruity.
As mum was saying this a vision popped in to my head. It was of the friendliest looking lady you've ever seen cradling a precious parcel wrapped in tea towel. That lady was the lovely Maureen aka The Orgasmic Chef and that parcel was her apple pie. This was over the Christmas holidays when Charlie from Hotly Spiced invited us all to dinner.
Unfortunately I could only stay for a drink and I was already disappointed about that but even more so when I got a whiff of Maureen's apple pie. She even made her own ice-cream to serve with it.
It wasn't until mum mentioned warm fruit that the memory returned. Of course, why not make apple pie from scratch two days before you leave for NYC when you've done no packing and still have things to organise for your move 5 days after you get back?
Let me tell you, it was worth every minute I spent on it and it wasn't really that many minutes. The flaky, buttery pastry came together easily. You can see that my pie perfecting skills still leave a lot to be desired but part of the fun of an apple pie is its rustic appearance right?
One bite into the pie dad said 'this tastes exactly like the American apple pie I had when I was young on holidays with mum and dad!' It was a winner. You simply must make it this winter. If it's hot where you are put on the airconditioning and make it anyway. You'll have to visit Maureen at the Orgasmic Chef to get the recipe but have a look around while you're there and say hi from me.
Thanks Maureen!
ps. It's moving day today. Wish us luck!
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
Such a lovely looking pie. There's really nothing more satisfying than making a classic homemade apple pie from scratch!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I adore Maureen!! She's such a lovely soul as is the fabulous Charlie and I can imagine how excited you were to meet both of them! :D
Claire says
It was my second time so extra lucky!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
My sister is visiting until Thursday and I showed her this post and she said, "It looks like a Maine pie!"
and it does. I'm glad you liked it.
Claire says
Yay!!! What an honor!
The Café Sucre Farine says
Claire, this looks so flaky and delicious. And you sound just like me, trying to fit 10 pounds in a 5 pound sack :)
Claire says
I like that saying!
Donalyn@The Creekside Cook says
Even though I can finally make a good pie crust, my pie always seem to have more than their share of rustic appearance. This one looks really special!
Claire says
Thanks Donalyn. It really was!
Jennifer @ Delicieux says
Good luck with the move Claire! I bet a slice of this at the end of a days moving would be very welcome!
Claire says
Thanks Jennifer!
Hotly Spiced says
It was a fantastic apple pie, wasn't it (oh, that's right you weren't there. Next time!) We all loved it so much. It's a very homely, comforting recipe. I'd be happy to sit at Maureen's table any night of the week xx
Claire says
Maybe we could all crash her house one night?
Sarah says
I LOVE apple pie, and this looks like a winner. The more rustic, shall we say, the better!
Claire says
Yes let's say that Sarah!