### Simple Apple Pie Recipe
This is a basic, no-fuss apple pie recipe that serves 8 people. It uses a store-bought pie crust to keep things simple, but you can make your own if you prefer. Prep time is about 20 minutes, bake time is 45-50 minutes.
#### Ingredients
**For the filling:**
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix for tartness), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**For the crust:**
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crust (or homemade double crust)
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat the oven:** Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Prepare the filling:** In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to release some juices.
3. **Assemble the pie:** Unroll one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, then dot the top with the butter pieces. Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers. Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape.
4. **Bake:** Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. **Cool and serve:** Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips: For a crispier crust, brush the top with a beaten egg before baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy! If you have dietary tweaks (e.g., gluten-free), let me know for adjustments.
