How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Pie

supplies

  • ingredients from pie recipe of choice (see the recipe we followed here!)
  • knife
  • rolling pin
  • microplane grater
  • cookie cutters
  • paint brush
instructions

  1. Slice the apples to about 1/4". If you slice them too thin, they'll get mushy.
  2. Toss the apples with the sugars. While you're waiting for the magic to happen, get your bottom pie crust ready. Make sure to keep it chilled afterwards, though.
  3. After you've prepared the filling, place it in the chilled pie shell. Make sure the filling is piled taller than you'd expect. It will sink down a bit while baking. I like to finish it with some lemon zest for a bright flavor.
  4. Roll out the remaining dough. This will be the dough you make your lattice or punch shapes out of.
  5. Use various cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Adding your own style goes a long way in creating a gorgeous and unique pie!
  6. Lay the lattice over the pie in a crisscross pattern. Weave the strips together, starting at one end, and working your way down.
  7. Attach all of your cutouts to the lattice with egg wash and a brush. I like to use a high quality paintbrush. These aren't as wide as traditional basting brushes, and give you better control over where you're brushing the egg. Just make sure it isn't shedding any hairs.
  8. Brush the final product with eggwash, and sprinkle with sugar. This will give your pie a nice shine.