The traditional apple pie

Many things are associated with America: the American flag, baseball, Chevrolet and the apple pie. Whether it is for a Fourth of July picnic or to warm up the house in the middle of winter, this apple pie will be the star of the dessert table.

Makes one 9-inch pie

- 9-inch pie plate
- large mixing bowl
- wire cooling rack
- spatula

- 5 to 6 medium-large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup (depending on apple's tartness) packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 rounded teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 rounded teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 2 prepared crusts

Preparation:

2. Line pie plate with bottom crust, allow edges to hang out

3. Slice apple into about 1/4 inch slices (thin, but not thin enough that they break easily)

4. In a large bowl toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, flour and spices

5. Let sit for five minutes

6. Pour apples into pie pan, scrape sides with spatula to get all the juice. Place second crust on top and pinch edges together to form a seal. Using a knife, cut four 1/4 inch lines in center of pie

7. Set pie in the lower third of the oven and bake at 425ºF for 10 to 12 minutes.

8. Reduce heat to 350ºF and raise pie to the center of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes and then tent edges of crust, if necessary. Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender

9. Cool on a wire rack

Serve on plates warm and with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.