Recipe: Best Apple Pie (crumb topping, from Best of the Best from Virginia)

BEST APPLE PIE

"The best Apple Pie that you will ever eat. The secret is soaking the apples in the melted butter. Serve warm to get the best rich butter flavor."

4 cups sliced apples
1/2 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (9 inch) pie shell, unbaked
FOR THE TOPPING:
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional, for serving)

Pour melted butter over sliced apples and soak a few minutes.

Combine sugar, flour, and spices; set aside.

Remove apples from butter (reserve any that is left and use in topping) Coat apples with sugar mixture, pour into pastry shell.

Combine topping ingredients, adding the reserved butter and crumble over apples.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until brown and apples are tender.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Makes 1 (9-inch) pie
Source: Best of the Best from Virginia: Selected Recipes from Virginia's Favorite cookbooks