What I'm bringing to Thanksgiving Dinner

Here in Kiev, a group of us get together for Thanksgiving dinner. This year is extra special as it will be Saphira's 1st Thanksgiving - she won't remember it, but the glow will engulf her I'm sure.

In addition to some other sides - I'm bringing this delectable pie. I did a test run when apples first came into season in September. It was gone in two days. Just Alister and I. And that was with self-control. This pie is like having pie a la mode without having to buy a pint of ice cream.

I made some variations the first time and this time stuck with them with a few others - mainly lowering the sugar and adding cinnamon and other spices. Also - I use a pat-in-the-pan oil crust instead of a traditional pate brisee. Its faster and fool proof. Still, I recommend you make it first and put it in the freezer as you chop apples as it will help stop the custard from being absorbed.

So here is the recipe with my variations.

Sour Cream Apple Pie with Streusel Topping Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 pie crust - http://www.exit109.com/~mstevens/lrccookb/PATINPAN.htm (leave out the sugar - this crust can be made in the pie crust)

Filling
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Allspice
3 cups peeled, sliced tart apples (about 1 1/4 pounds of slices)

Topping
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Mix together all ingredients (except nuts) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in nuts. Chill until needed in the recipe.

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 400°F.

2 Beat together sour cream, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla, spices and egg (can beat by hand). Add apples, mixing carefully to coat well.

3 Put filling into a pie shell and bake at 400 degrees initially for 25 min.

4 Remove from oven and sprinkle with Cinnamon Crumb Topping. Bake for and additional 20 more minutes.

Let cool for a hour before serving. Serves 8.