USA
Apple Pie
A lighter take on the American icon: spiced apples in a wholesome oat-almond crust, sweetened mostly by the fruit rather than a cup of sugar and refined pastry.
Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 8.
Ingredients
- 6–8 apples (Granny Smith or mixed), sliced
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp ground chia (to thicken)
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp water) to bind
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Steps
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Blend the oats to a coarse flour, then mix with almond flour, salt, melted coconut oil and egg to a dough.
Press two-thirds of the dough into a pie dish to line the base and sides.
Toss the apples with lemon juice, spices, chia and maple syrup, then pile into the crust.
Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and the apples are tender.
Cool before slicing so it sets.
Optional Enhancements
- Skip the top crust for fewer calories
- Use pears or add cranberries
- Use a flax egg to keep it vegan
Plant & Growing Tips
Apple Trees
- Plant bare-root trees in late winter or early spring.
- Choose varieties suited to your USDA zone.
- Require full sun and well-drained soil.
- Prune annually in winter to shape and encourage airflow.
- Thin fruits in summer to improve size and prevent branch stress.
Lemon (optional)
- Grow dwarf lemons indoors in cool climates.
- Provide strong light and regular citrus fertiliser.
Natural Pest Control
- Use garlic–chili spray to deter borers and leaf rollers.
- Encourage beneficial predators (birds, parasitic wasps).
- Sticky traps help control apple maggot.
- Mulch trees deeply to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvest
Apples
- Ripe when they twist off easily.
- Seeds inside are dark brown.
- Fruit smells sweet and fragrant.
- Harvest gently to avoid bruising.
Storing & Freezing
Fridge up to 4 days; freezes up to 2 months.
