Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie

Ingredients and Weight:

• Apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn): 6 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, melted
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
• Pecan Halves: 1 cup
• For the Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Cold Unsalted Butter: 1 1/2 cups, cut into small cubes
  • Ice Water: 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

• 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the Apples: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Assemble the Upside-Down Pie: In a large, cast-iron skillet or 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the bottom. Arrange the apple mixture over the pecans.
3. Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the dough just comes together.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to cover the apple mixture.
6. Place the Dough over the Apples: Carefully transfer the dough over the apples and trim the edges.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Invert and Serve: Once cooked, let the pie cool for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/8 pie):

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 39g
• Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Warm and comforting dessert with a sweet and tangy flavor.
• The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the juicy apples and crunchy pecans.
• The upside-down presentation creates a stunning visual appeal.

User Comments:

• "This pie is a showstopper! The apples are perfectly tender and the pecan crust is so delicious."
• "The combination of apples and pecans is a match made in heaven. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion."
• "I'm not usually a pie person, but this one changed my mind. It's so flavorful and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To prevent the pie from sticking, make sure to grease the skillet or baking dish well.
• Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it distributes heat evenly and helps create a crispy crust.
• If you don't have enough ice water, you can use cold milk instead.
• Let the pie cool for a few minutes before inverting it to prevent the apples from falling out.