At CiderHouse Pie Shop, we believe that the simplest of foods often require the most care. Apple pie, a dessert beloved by many, is no exception. Our handmade apple pies are a testament to the dedication, attention to detail, and love that goes into every step of the process—from selecting the perfect apples to crafting the flakiest crust. We only offer our apple pies when local apples are at their peak, ensuring that every bite is filled with the freshest, most flavorful fruit. Here's a closer look at what makes our apple pies so exceptional.

The Importance of the Orchard

The journey of our apple pies begins in the orchard, where the quality of the apples is paramount. At CiderHouse Pie Shop, we source our apples from local orchards known for their exceptional fruit. These orchards are carefully selected based on their commitment to sustainable farming practices and the quality of their apples. We believe that great pies start with great ingredients, and that means choosing apples that are grown with care and harvested at the perfect time.

The apples we use in our pies are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring they are bursting with flavor. We favor a blend of apple varieties to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as a range of textures that hold up beautifully during baking. This careful selection process is what gives our pies their distinct, robust apple flavor that our customers have come to love.

Our Special Ingredients

While the apples are undoubtedly the star of the show, they are only one part of what makes our pies so special. At CiderHouse, we use a blend of spices and ingredients that complement the natural flavors of the apples without overwhelming them. Our spice mix is a closely guarded secret, featuring just the right amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove to enhance the apples' sweetness and add a warm, comforting aroma to the pie.

We also believe in using only the highest quality ingredients in every aspect of our pies. From the organic sugar we use to sweeten the filling to the grass-fed butter that gives our crust its rich, buttery flavor, every component is chosen with care. We avoid preservatives and artificial flavors, opting instead for natural, wholesome ingredients that contribute to the superior taste and texture of our pies.

The Art of the Perfect Pie Crust

One of the key elements that set our apple pies apart is the crust. A great pie crust should be both tender and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the soft, juicy filling. Achieving this balance requires skill and precision, and at CiderHouse Pie Shop, we take pride in our crust-making technique.

Our crusts are made by hand, using a traditional method that has been perfected over the years. We use a combination of all-purpose flour and a touch of pastry flour to achieve the ideal texture. The butter is carefully incorporated to create layers of dough that bake up light and flaky, while a dash of salt enhances the overall flavor. We chill our dough before rolling it out, which helps to create those coveted flaky layers that make each bite of our pies so satisfying.

The crust is then rolled out by hand and carefully fitted into our pie tins. The edges are crimped with care, adding a touch of artistry to each pie. We believe that the crust is just as important as the filling, and we take the time to ensure it is perfect every time.

Our Apple Pie Recipe

At CiderHouse, we take pride in crafting our apple pies with the utmost care and attention to detail. Here’s a glimpse into our process:

Ingredients:

• A blend of locally sourced apples, handpicked at peak ripeness
• Organic cane sugar
• A secret blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice for a touch of brightness
• Grass-fed butter for the filling and crust
• A mix of all-purpose and pastry flour for the crust
• A pinch of salt to balance the flavors

Process:

1. Preparing the Apples: We begin by peeling and slicing our apples, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking. The apples are then tossed with our spice blend, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance their natural flavors.

2. Making the Crust: Our crust dough is made by cutting cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Water is added sparingly to bring the dough together, and it is then chilled before being rolled out by hand.

3. Assembling the Pie: The bottom crust is fitted into the pie tin, followed by a generous filling of spiced apples. The top crust is placed over the filling, and the edges are crimped to seal in the juices. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.

4. Baking: Our pies are baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and fragrant. The result is a pie that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Baking with Love: The CiderHouse Difference

At CiderHouse Pie Shop, we believe that it’s the love and care we put into every pie that truly makes the difference. Each pie is handmade with attention to detail, from selecting the perfect apples to carefully crimping the edges of the crust. We take pride in our work, and it shows in every bite.

We understand that a great apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a connection to tradition, to family, and to the simple joys of life. That’s why we pour our hearts into every pie we make, ensuring that our customers receive a product that is not only delicious but also made with love.

At CiderHouse, our apple pies are more than just a treat—they are a labor of love, a celebration of the harvest, and a tribute to the simple pleasures that make life sweet. We invite you to experience the CiderHouse difference and savor the exceptional quality of our handmade apple pies, available only when local apples are at their peak.