A sweet, tart pie made with fresh apples and aromatic Manitoba birch syrup.
Welcome to this week’s edition of our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, where we explore the intersection of culinary creativity and digital literacy through stunning visuals and delectable recipes. This week, we present a rustic apple pie that embodies the essence of Manitoba’s agricultural bounty, highlighting the importance of food security in our communities. With its flaky, buttery crust, this pie celebrates the harmony between tart and sweet apples, elevated by a hint of aromatic birch syrup, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends.
Through this series, we aim to inspire creativity in the kitchen while emphasizing the value of local ingredients and sustainable practices. This golden-brown apple pie is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious nod to the heartwarming traditions of home cooking. Join us in embracing the flavors of Manitoba as we delve into this delightful recipe that invites you to experience the joy of baking and sharing.
Rustic Birch Syrup Apple Pie
This rustic apple pie is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, featuring a perfectly crimped, flaky crust that encases tender, tart apples enhanced with the unique sweetness of birch syrup. The golden-brown exterior not only captures the eye but also promises a warm, comforting experience with every slice. This pie is ideal for gatherings or as a cozy dessert to savor on a quiet evening.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup ice water
- 6 cups tart apples, peeled and sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup birch syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In another large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, birch syrup, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and fill it with the apple mixture.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy your delicious rustic birch syrup apple pie!
Prompt Engineering: How You Can Make This Image:
Capture a rustic, golden-brown apple pie with a flaky, buttery crust, its interior filled with tart, sweet apples and a hint of aromatic birch syrup. The perfectly crimped crust reveals a few apple slices peeking through the top. Use a 35mm lens at f/4.0 to highlight the pie’s textures. Position the pie on a weathered wooden table, surrounded by a soft linen napkin and a shallow bowl of freshly picked apples. Natural light pours in from a nearby window, illuminating the pie’s golden hue while casting gentle shadows. Shoot from a slightly elevated angle for a dynamic presentation, inviting viewers to savor the warm, cozy atmosphere.
About Our 2025 Spring and Summer Program
As part of our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, this challenge is not just about creating stunning food imagery—it’s about exploring the broader landscape of digital literacy, media arts and how generative AI tools are shaping the future of creativity. Engaging with AI to craft these images, artists develop a deeper understanding of AI-assisted design, digital media, and visual storytelling. This exploration fosters critical skills in creative problem-solving, prompt crafting, and mastering new technology, empowering artists to push the boundaries of their craft while enhancing their digital fluency. Through this process, we’re not only creating art but also learning to navigate the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Our 2025 Fall and Winter program activities are supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council.