A special Valentine’s day dessert

There’s something wonderful about a homemade gift, especially when it’s sweet and says ‘I love you’. This special apple pie for Valentine’s Day does just that.

It’s quick and easy to make with a handful of ingredients but the elaborate top shows you really made an effort. If you’re not a fan of apple, switch out the pie filling for whatever else takes your fancy. Now without further ado, let’s get on with the recipe!

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400g shortcrust pastry
3 Bramley apples
1/2 cup light brown sugar
A splash of lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp butter
1 beaten egg

Peel, core and chop the apples into small thin slices.

Toss the chopped apples into a large mixing bowl with a drizzle of lemon juice to stop them browning.

Add flour, cinnamon and sugar and give everything a good mix.

At this stage, either leave the mixture as it is or stew in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 – 10 minutes to soften the apples. This will make for a smoother pie filling but let it cool completely before pouring onto the pastry. If you prefer your pie with a bit of bite, skip this step.

Next, brush an 8 inch round dish lightly with softened butter.

Roll out your pastry nice and thin and lay it over your dish. I’d always recommend making your own shortcrust because it tastes so much better but if you’re in a rush like I was, shop-bought will do just fine.

Trim the excess with a sharp knife for a neat edge.

Pour in your filling and even out the top with the back of a spoon, then give the cut edge of your pastry a light egg wash.

Gather the leftover pastry scraps into a ball and roll it out again on a floured surface to the same thickness as before. Cut out little hearts with a cookie cutter and layer them around the circumference of the pie, pressing the edges down gently.

Give each layer an egg wash and carry on laying down pastry hearts until the entire pie is covered.

Try to overlap the hearts but don’t worry if there are a few holes – they’ll let some of the steam escape in the oven.

Sprinkle the top with more sugar and bake for 45 – 50 minutes at 180°C. When it’s golden and crisp all over, it’s ready to be served.

Have your favourite ice cream on the side or warm custard.

Sprinkled with bronze sugar nuggets for that extra little somethin’.

Flowers optional but thoroughly recommended…it’s Valentine’s day after all!

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a wonderful day with your favourite people. Sending you my love.