Celebrate the Patroness of the USA with an All-American Dessert

To celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Barb Szyszkiewicz shares her family's recipe for apple pie. Download our printable recipe card.

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and like all Solemnities, it is not a Meatless Friday. This is a day for celebration and feasting—so instead of a meatless recipe, today I'm sharing my favorite recipe for apple pie.

Why apple pie? It's an American favorite, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the USA. So why not enjoy this classic American treat with your family today? This recipe has been passed down through several generations of Catholic moms. My grandmother learned the recipe from her neighbor, who was famous for her apple pie.

I like to use a mixture of apples in this pie. Tart, firm apples work best (Granny Smith, Rome, Gala, Macintosh) but don't be afraid to use whatever apples you have in the fridge.

Sometimes I add a dash of ginger to the apple mixture, but otherwise I don’t fiddle with this recipe at all. My husband recommends that you serve the pie warm, topped with ice cream.

Apple Pie

Makes 8 servings

8 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
butter
2 pie crusts (recipe below, or use premade pie crust)

Mix ingredients. Place in bottom pie crust. Dot with butter. Top with remaining crust. Pinch edges closed. Cut vents in top of crust.

Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the pie pan on the baking sheet in case the filling overflows.

Bake 40 minutes at 400.

Pie Crust

2 cups flour
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 tsp salt
6 to 8 TBL ice water

Mix flour, shortening and salt with a fork. Add water little by little until the dough comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour. (And the less you handle the dough, the better.)

When ready to bake, divide the dough in half and roll out on a well-floured surface.