There’s something comforting in routine and tradition. Especially as we live in a world where things seem so unpredictable and chaotic at times, it can be a huge relief to stick to the tried and true habits that we’ve formed over the years.
Following a daily routine has been proven to alleviate anxiety and depression, as well as help combat burnout (which has continued to be on the rise, according to a study conducted by Indeed this past year: 52% of 1,500 survey respondents admitted to experiencing severe burnout). As we struggle with feeling overworked and having difficulty managing a healthy balance between work, school, and life, it becomes easy to cling to simple and reliable habits. It makes complete sense that we have this innate desire for routine; we’re merely attempting to have some semblance of normalcy, a feeling of security over the things we can control in our lives.
That being said, it’s important that we make sure these are healthy habits! For example, following a routine of impulsive online shopping every time life gets overwhelming is not the best way to manage those feelings (and yes, I am a hundred percent guilty of doing this). But taking the time to rework those emotions into something healthy and enjoyable can do wonders for your mental health. Establishing traditions and routines can also give you something to look forward to, which leads me into today’s recipe!
Apple pie! Going apple picking has been a tradition in my life for as long as I can remember, whether it be with my family or my friends. Nothing like getting some fresh air in the fall, which just so happens to be my favorite season!
This recipe is loosely based off of a family recipe, but I’ve changed a few things to protect our secret ingredients! Feel free to substitute the store bought crust for whatever homemade recipe or pre-made brand you prefer. The most difficult part about this recipe is the apple peeling in my opinion, but once you get past that part, it’s very straight-forward.
The waiting is also pretty hard, because the aroma of caramelized apples, sugar, and a myriad of spices is absolutely heavenly! If you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely be tempted to grab a slice as soon as you take it out of the oven, but make sure to let it cool for at least an hour to avoid any serious burns. I promise it is totally worth the work and worth the wait for a delicious fall treat that is sure to become a favorite!
Homemade Apple Pie
A classic and cozy fall recipe that is perfect for using up an abundance of apples after a trip to the orchard.
Ingredients
- 12 apples, mix of sweet and tart (I prefer a blend of Fuji, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 3 tbsp of flour
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of apple pie spice
- 2 tsp of vanilla extract
- egg wash (just mix an egg with water!)
- sparkling sugar (optional but it makes it look prettier!)
- pie dough of choice (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Peel and slice apples before placing them in a large bowl.
- Add all dry ingredients to the apples and mix well, before adding vanilla extra.
- Mix well to combine and then cook in a sauce pan over medium heat until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens. It should look a bit like caramel.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the crust according to instructions.
- Add your cooled pie filling and place the top crust, making sure to seal it and slice vents in the top to avoid an explosion! You can also slice your top crust into strips and create a lattice design, as pictured.
- Brush your crush with the egg wash and then top with sparkling sugar.
- Bake at 425 until golden brown, about 55 mins. It might be helpful to place your pie on top of a baking sheet, just in case there’s any spilling! Also, if your crust starts to brown early on, put some foil around the top to keep it from burning!
- Once your pie is baked, let it cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to thicken and avoid any burnt mouths! Serve warm or room temperature, with a scoop of ice cream if preferred.
Here’s a general idea of nutrition facts for this recipe, but keep in mind that they may not be entirely accurate depending on how you define a slice!
Serving Size 1 slice (8 total) / Calories 583 / Total Fat 25.2g / Saturated Fat 15.4g / Cholesterol 64.8mg / Sodium 226.4mg / Carbohydrate 88.6g / Dietary Fiber 4.2g / Total Sugars 50.4g / Protein 5g
taste of mindfulness 