Crazy Crust Apple Pie

This apple pie came from an old recipe card. It’s a pie that you don’t have to make a traditional crust for. Instead you mix flour, shortening, an egg, water, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl, pour into a pie plate, top with apple mixture and bake. The batter forms a lovely crust around the apple filling. I guess technically, it’s more similar to a cobbler than a pie, but it’a a terrific way to make a delicious dessert on the fly!

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup water

For the filling:

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

1. Preheat oven to 425º.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, egg, shortening, and water with an electric mixer on medium speed. Pour into a 9″ pie pan.
3. Peel, core, and slice apples. Melt butter and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir in apples, sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until slightly soft.
4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add to the apple mixture, stir, and cook until the apples are soft, and the filling is thickened. Let cool.
5. Pour apples into the center of the batter – do not stir. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.