An Expression of Gratitude & A Recipe for Dutch Apple Pie

Thanksgiving is here! Happiest of Thanksgivings to all of you! Amidst the hustle and bustle of food preparations, travel plans, and other holiday "duties",  I would like to take a moment to share some of the things that I've been most blessed with this year.

I am so very thankful for...

~My husband, closest friend, supporter of my crazy endeavors, and partner in our life's adventures. Michael, you're my world. You've loved me more and treated me better than I could ever hope to deserve. Thank you.

~My Mom. The long-suffering fighter who never gives up. She beat cancer for the 3rd time this year. Let's hope this year's breast cancer battle was the last time she'll ever have to deal with that ugly ugly word. Which reminds me, I'm also very thankful for wonderful doctors who have taken such great care of my darling Mom for us. We are very fortunate.

~My family. I saw a little frame at a shop today that pretty well summed it up: "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." It is incredible to look at where we all were 15-20 years ago, and in comparison to where we all are today, how tremendously God has blessed us beyond what we could have ever hoped for.

~Michael's new job, which in itself is a huge blessing, but it also means we get to spend an extended amount of time living in Italy next year! (I'm also thankful for Italy! We haven't met yet, but I am sure that we will get along splendidly.)

~This blog, and my readers. 10 months ago I started documenting my cooking adventures for my own personal records. I wanted a way to keep track of new recipes I've tried. I had no intention of telling anyone about it, and I had absolutely no expectation of anyone finding any interest or value in my little culinary escapades. I have had a wonderful time this year with my new (and much needed) hobby. It has taken on a life of its own, and I truly hope that it continues to grow.  I love getting comments on my posts, and making new friends all over the world who share similar interests. The world of bloggers is so much more fun and interesting than I ever thought it would be... I am deeply thankful for all those who spend their valuable time stopping by my little corner of cyberspace. It brings me joy.

~Last but not least, I am thankful for apple pie. THIS apple pie specifically. It's pretty spectacular. I have made it dozens of times, and it is always a hit. Make it. (P.S. Don't you just love my embroidered napkins? Good advice for Thanksgiving, I think.)

Dutch Apple Pie

Credit: KitchenJoy

Ingredients:

1 pie crust

7-8 apples peeled and thinly sliced (I like a combination of Granny Smith and whatever else you like. I always use a variety. I don't particularly care for Honeycrisp in pie though. To each their own.)

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2-3 tablespoons brown sugar

For crumb topping-

½ cup sugar

¾ cup flour

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a 9-inch deep dish pie plate with pie crust.

2. Peel and slice apples and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent the apples from turning brown. Add sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Gently combine with rubber spatula and spread apple mixture in to prepared pie crust.

3. In a medium bowl, combine topping ingredients with a pastry cutter or two forks until flour is mostly incorporated. Mixture will be crumbly! Carefully sprinkle topping over the apples, gently pressing down as needed to keep crumbles from falling off. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

4. Bake at 400 degrees for40-45minutes, until topping is golden. Allow to cool at least 20-30 minutes prior to serving to allow the juices to re-absorb into the apples. Enjoy!