Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Texas Hill Country in Autumn



at this beautiful time of the year you will find these settings everywhere in the
countryside of Texas.

everyone who owns a country place, or a full-time working ranch even, will have
a fabulous place for gathering outdoors.

this collage of different things makes me happy,
no design, just a happening, a collection of things well-loved, all put together
for a lovely get together when we have fine weather.



Entertaining in Provence





fall color in Texas




morning fog in Texas


Cider Caramel Apple Pie





The Best Apple Pie You'll Ever Have
By Hannah from Honey and Jam

Apple pie is the best sort of pie. It's homey, familiar and always delicious. This recipe is my absolute favorite. It takes a little more time than your average recipe, but it's worth it, I assure you!

The best part of this pie is the apple cider caramel. Caramel-making sounds a little fussy, but it's actually as easy as standing over a pot for a few minutes. It adds such a depth of flavor and intensifies the apple taste. You'll want to save the left over caramel for pancakes or ice cream!

Tip: Let this cool completely before cutting. I always want to dive right in, but you have to let it set, otherwise you'll have a watery mess. Enjoy!

Recipe
 Cider Caramel Apple Pie
For the cider caramel:
4 cups apple cider
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter

For the pie:
5-6 cups sliced apple (gala or granny smith are best)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cider caramel, warmed
1 large egg, beaten

For the crust:
(recipe from Martha Stewart)
& Marsha's Aunt Sis who used ice water ONLY)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water, plus more if needed

To make the crust:

In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour and salt; pulse to combine. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces remaining, about 10 seconds. (To mix by hand, combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then cut in butter with a pastry blender.)

With machine running, add ice water through feed tube in a slow, steady stream, just until dough holds together without being wet or sticky. Do not process more than 30 seconds. Test by squeezing a small amount of dough together; if it is still too crumbly, add a bit more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Turn out dough onto a clean work surface. Divide in half, and place each half on a piece of plastic wrap. Shape into flattened disks. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

To make the caramel:

Pour cider into heavy bottomed pot. Boil cider until reduced to 2 cups, about 20 minutes. Add butter & sugar, cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and is reduced to 1 1/4 cups. Can be made 2 days ahead, transfer to bowl and keep refrigerated.

To make the pie:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Let pie dough rest on counter for 15 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into two 1/8 inch thick rounds. Press one round into lightly greased pie plate.

In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, vanilla, and caramel. Mix well. Spoon apples into pie plate. Cover with remaining crust. Cut 4 steam vents into top. Brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sugar & cinnamon.

Bake until crust is brown and juices are bubbling, about 1 hour. Let cool before serving.







Entertaining in Provence
Photobucket

16 comments:

  1. OH MY...that burlap table cloth is so stunning, Marsha! And thank you for showing the other side of Texas that I would have never thought of....the lusher side. I only am familiar with the hotter, drier areas. But I do know that Texas can be very lovely, and you show it here. That pie looks great! I referred a dear blogger friend over to see your jewelry. I hope she makes it. She loves and collects all sorts of fabulous designer pieces and I told her she just has to see your work. I will give her your link.

    HAPPY DAY! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a Beautiful landscape. I didn't realize Texas has so much autumn color. Thanks for sharing.
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  3. Je viens de passer un excellent moment de sérénité en vous lisant et en admirant vos très belles photos...
    Je vais certainement refaire votre tourte grâce à votre recette... Hum elle me semble excellente.
    Gros bisous à vous

    ReplyDelete
  4. gorgeous setting! Will have to try that pie too, it sounds delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Marcia- these pictures are so enchanting- thank you so much for sharing them. I will try this pie this weekend! I love Texas! Lived there for 3 years in the 70's! Susan at Romancing the Home

    ReplyDelete
  6. Marsha-
    This is such a beautiful post. The table is stunning.
    Seriously, I am now starving for apple pie, and yes, caramel is fabulous and easy to make! People beg for my caramel cake, and I will have to admit is is really good.
    Happy Tuesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cannot wait to make that apple pie! Beautiful images!
    Karolyn

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love that Fall table setting and that pie recipe is amazing. Can't wait to try it!
    xo
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  9. Delicious looking pie and what a gorgeous fall setting! xox

    ReplyDelete
  10. Splendide et déicieux... Amitiés de Fine.

    ReplyDelete
  11. That first picture is breathtaking......the apple pie looks and sounds sinfully good. I have zero willpower around such things but its generally worth every bite:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. These pictures make me homesick for Texas! Especially the hill country where my family lives outside of Austin, Dripping Springs. Beautiful post, Marsha! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What stunning photos! Love them all! Thanks for sharing. Hug and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so ready for the autumn weather...! Beautiful photos Marsha!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful fall pics and that pie recipe sounds divine. Must try it.

    ReplyDelete


Please know how much I value your comments. I read every single one and do hope you will take the time to leave your thoughts. I think InstaGram with the Emojis have taken a lot away from blogging, but I love IG too.