Molecular Apple Pie

Ingredients

The molecular gastronomy adaptation of the Apple Pie takes the traditional dish to new heights by incorporating innovative techniques and presentation styles. The focus is on transforming the textures and flavors of the ingredients, creating a visually striking and unique dessert experience. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (500g) 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (500g)
• 50g sugar 50g sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 sheet of gelatin 1 sheet of gelatin
• 100ml apple juice 100ml apple juice
• 50ml water 50ml water
• 50g sugar 50g sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100g graham cracker crumbs 100g graham cracker crumbs
• 50g melted butter 50g melted butter
• 50g sugar 50g sugar
• 1g agar-agar 1g agar-agar
• 100ml water 100ml water
• 100ml heavy cream 100ml heavy cream
• 50g sugar 50g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1g xanthan gum 1g xanthan gum
• 1g calcium lactate 1g calcium lactate
• 1g sodium alginate 1g sodium alginate
• Liquid nitrogen (for freezing) Liquid nitrogen (for freezing)

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 30g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender. Set aside to cool.
2. 2.
   Bloom the gelatin sheet in cold water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the apple juice, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Remove from heat and add the bloomed gelatin sheet. Stir until dissolved.
5. 5.
   Pour the apple juice mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set.
6. 6.
   In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish to form the crust.
7. 7.
   In a saucepan, combine the agar-agar and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. 8.
   Pour the agar-agar mixture over the graham cracker crust and refrigerate until set.
9. 9.
   In a blender, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, xanthan gum, and calcium lactate. Blend until smooth.
10. 10.
    In a separate bowl, mix the sodium alginate with water until dissolved.
11. 11.
    Using a syringe, drop small droplets of the cream mixture into the sodium alginate bath. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then carefully remove with a slotted spoon and rinse with water.
12. 12.
    Place the cream droplets on a tray and freeze with liquid nitrogen until solid.
13. 13.
    Arrange the cooked apples on top of the graham cracker crust.
14. 14.
    Place the set apple juice gel on top of the apples.
15. 15.
    Garnish with the frozen cream droplets.
16. 16.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the molecular Apple Pie experience!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gelatin — Ensure the gelatin sheet is properly bloomed in cold water before adding it to the apple juice mixture.
• Agar-agar — When simmering the agar-agar mixture, stir continuously to prevent clumping.
• Sodium alginate — Be gentle when removing the cream droplets from the sodium alginate bath to avoid breaking them.
• Liquid nitrogen — Handle with caution and use protective gloves when freezing the cream droplets.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of molecular gastronomy, you can use a smoking gun to infuse the pie with applewood smoke before serving.
• Experiment with different apple varieties to add complexity to the flavors.
• If liquid nitrogen is not available, you can freeze the cream droplets using a regular freezer, although the texture may differ slightly.
• Serve the pie on a chilled plate to maintain the integrity of the frozen cream droplets.
• Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Molecular Apple Pie immediately after assembly to fully experience the contrasting textures and temperatures. The combination of warm cooked apples, chilled apple juice gel, and frozen cream droplets creates a delightful sensory experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Molecular Apple Pie on a sleek, modern plate. Arrange the pie slices with precision, ensuring the layers are visible. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a small apple slice for an artistic touch.