For the first half of our stay in Ireland, we are living in a beautiful, 400 year old stable house about an hour outside of Dublin. Our backdoor opens to a trove of apple trees. Ever since we arrived, I’ve been anxious to take advantage of this amazing bounty and start baking. Unfortunately, the house isn’t yet stocked with the necessary baking supplies (rolling pin, measuring cups, mixing bowls…). Luckily, my mom was in town recently, and showed me how to make due (and make apple pie) with found items.
Step 1: The dough recipe called for 1 1/4 cup flour. Using baby James’ sippy cups (which were labeled in Ounces
) we were able to figure out that this glass held just the right amount:
Step 2: Find a suitable pot to use as a mixing bowl. Add the flour and 10 tablespoons of Kerry Gold Butter. Combine and set aside:
Step 3: Pick some apples. Peel and slice into 6 cups. Add to pot.
Step 4: Add 3/4 cup sugar (using James’ sippy cup again, we found that this little glass was the perfect size):
Step 5: We needed to add a teaspoon of cinnamon. Since we didn’t have any measuring spoons, I figured an actual tea spoon could do the trick. It may have been a little off, but the pie didn’t suffer:
Step 6: To add 2 tablespoons of flour, I used an actual table spoon, twice.
Step 7: juice of one small lemon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 8: With the filling ready to go, now I just needed to roll out the dough. We had a spare empty wine bottle. So my mom suggested I use that.
Step 9: The house comes complete with an Aga oven. Not knowing the exact temperature, I placed it in the “hotter” door, and checked on it after 45 minutes.
And here’s the result. So good and so easy. I’ve already made it twice since.
