This recipe was prepared by Chef Tammy Brawley on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.

Tammy’s Apple Crumb Pie

6-7 tart apples (gala or winesap)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground allspice
9” pie crust, pre-made or homemade
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup flour
⅓ cup butter, slightly softened

Heat oven to 350°. Peel, core and cut each apple into 16 slices. Place apple slices in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with allspice, then sprinkle over apple slices, coating thoroughly. Lift the apple slices from the bowl and place them into the pie shell; don’t dump them in.

In another small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and butter, and use a pastry blender or fork to make a crumb topping. Sprinkle the topping over the pie. Bake at 350° for about an hour, or until the apples are fork tender and baked thoroughly.

Important notes:

*Watch pie closely toward the end of the hour to make sure the topping or crust isn’t browning too much. If this happens, cover with foil, and continue baking.

*Sometimes I will only place half of the apple slices in the shell, sprinkle some topping, then place the remaining apples and topping, which gives more texture and taste to pie.

*If you want to make sure the pie doesn’t brown too quickly, you also could reduce the temperature to 325°, and bake about 15 minutes to a half-hour longer.