Apple Pie with almonds. #4thJulyAmericanpie.

There are few things more American than Apple pie .
And nothing more comforting in winter than a ‘big, warm, oozy slice of apple pie with a dollop of thick cream’. Thanks to foodtolove.com.au

You need for one pie:
Filling:
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup caster sugar, plus 2 teaspoons extra
1/4 tsp ground cloves
6 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced
1/4 cup sultanas

Almond apple pie:
2 1/2 cups plain flour
2/3 cup caster sugar
200 g cold butter, chopped
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp water
1/3 cup flaked almonds
thick cream, to serve

• Sift flour into a large bowl.
• Stir in sugar.
• Rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add egg, vanilla and enough water to form a firm, pliable dough.
• Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly.
• Form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes.
• To make filling, in a large saucepan combine water, sugar and cloves.
• Bring to boil on high. Cook until reduced by half, then add apples.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 4- 5 minutes, until almost tender.
• Cool mixture. then stir in sultanas.
• Preheat oven to hot, 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
• Moisturize a deep, 24cm pie plate.
• Roll out 2/3 pastry between 2 sheets baking paper until 5mm thick.
• Ease into pie plate. Trim edges.
• Prick base with a fork, place dish on an oven tray.
• Cover outside edge with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
• Remove foil, allow to cool.
• Then spoon filling of apples into case.
• Using a hand grater, grate remaining pastry over top of pie, ensuring the apple is completely covered.
• Sprinkle with almonds.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.
• Serve warm, with cream.