Everything's Better with Pie

Several years ago new friends came over for dinner and brought a strange kind of apple pie for dessert. Over that pie we bonded, going from new friends to good (and very missed) friends. Thanks to Kellie, I began, as I liked to joke, being dragged to things against my will. I made many friends and discovered many new foods (like the most amazing Texas Sheet Cake and the best BBQ Chicken Pizza in the world).

Kellie shared the recipe with me and I've made it several times now. Each time, this magic pie has brought people together. When I make it, my middle son sits on a stool next to the counter, sneaking apple slices as I cut them. Everyone wants to be in the kitchen while it bakes and when it's served, we all sit around the table, laughing, as we try to swipes bites from each other's plates.

Be forewarned, this pie requires a lot of savoring and a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. :)

Swedish Apple Pie


3-4 apples, cored and sliced thin
1 C plus 1 Tbsp sugar, divided
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 C butter, melted
1 C flour
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C pecans, chopped (optional)

• Mix 1 Tbsp sugar and 1 Tbsp cinnamon with apples, place in 9-inch pie plate
• Mix remaining sugar, butter, flour, salt and pecans until wet dough forms
• Lay dough (like a blanket) over apples
• Bake at 350 for 40 minutes

Enjoy!