Go green....for earth day

Earth day is all about going green which is why I am going to share with you how to make an apple pie with the shell of an apple.  I found this idea from the blog Chronicles of a domestic dilettante via pinterest.  My brother-in -law enjoys pie more then any other dessert and I wanted to find a fun creative way to make him one for his birthday.  His wife ended up making these for him because we ran out of time, but I did make them the next day for us.  It was so good that I will never look at apple pie the same way again.

Ingredients:  serving size  4 individual apple pies

6 granny smith apples (tip: check bottoms for flatness as they will need to stand up)

1 pre made pie crust ( you can make your own but I found pre made was easiest)

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions:        Pre- heat over at 375 degrees

1.  Carve out the middles of four apples.  First cut off the top of each apple. Then I found that using a small knife to slice through the middle will help to spoon out the middle contents.   Make sure to leave plenty of meat on the bottom and sides or your walls will fall apart when baked.  If you can salvage any of the meat you spooned out then that will be great.

2.  Peel the remaining apples and chop into small bites, put into a medium bowl.

3.  In a small bowl mix the sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar, add little at a time to the chopped apple pieces.  (tip: I found that you really do not need to use all the sugar mixture with the apples.  Just make sure they are coated well.)

4.  Spoon sugared apple pieces into apple shells, fill them until heaping just a little bit.

5.  Roll out pie dough and cut into thin strips.  Use the lattice pattern to cover the top of the pie. (tip: if you do not know what lattice means look at the picture. You will lay one layer on the bottom and on top of that lay another layer going the other way.)

5.  Place finished apples into a shallow dish and fill the bottom of the dish with a tine layer of water.  Cover pies with tin foil. Put into pre heated over (375)

6.  Bake covered for 20 mins. and then remove cover and bake another 20 mins.  or until crust is golden brown.

7.  While your pies are baking for the last 20 mins put a sauce pan on the stove.  Add 2 tablespoons of butter and any remaining sugar mixture, on low let the butter melt.  Stir so that sugar does not burn.  cook for two minutes and remove from heat.

8. Serve warm apples with a drizzle of sugar/butter sauce over the top.  Great also with a serving of ice cream.

Now you have the tools to make a fabulous new dessert.  So get going and enjoy!!!