Deep Dish Apple Pie with Metaxa

Most years, Greek Orthodox Easter falls anywhere from a week to a month before or after Americans celebrate the holiday, as it is based on the Julian calendar rather than Gregorian. However, this year both celebrations occur on the same day, April 4—offering the perfect opportunity to incorporate some of Greece’s food traditions into your holiday menu. Here, foodspring writer Denise Shoukas shares some of her family’s favorite Greek Easter recipes. To read more about Denise's holiday traditions, Click Here.

Serves: 8

Cooking Time: 95 minutes

Filling:
8 large tart apples, peeled, cored and cut into slices
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup Metaxa

Dough:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
3 to 5 Tbsp. Metaxa
1 egg, beaten

Fresh whipped cream, for serving (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. To make the filling: Place sliced apples in a 2-inch deep baking dish. Then melt butter and add sugar and orange juice to the butter. Mix well. Pour mixture over apples and toss until apples are coated.

3. To make the pastry dough: Mix flour, butter and 3 to 5 tablespoons of Metaxa together. Roll dough out flat and use it to cover the top of the baking dish. After you have covered the dish, brush top with a light egg wash. Prick holes in the dough.

4. Bake pie for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 degrees F. and bake for 35 minutes more.

5. Remove pie from oven and insert a small funnel into the center of the pie. Pour 1/4 cup of Metaxa into the pie and tilt back and forth to spread it around. Serve warm with whipped cream.