Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating ensures an evenly baked pie with a golden crust.
Peel and quarter your baking apples. Choose a blend of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor. Once prepped, toss them with 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. This mixture will keep your apples coated and help absorb their juices during baking.
In a separate bowl, mix the half-and-half cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. This liquid combination adds moisture and richness. Stir well until combined.
Gently combine the apple mixture with the cream. This is where the magic happens; the spices and sugars intermingle, coating the apples beautifully.
Pour the apple mixture into your unbaked buttery pastry shell. Arrange the apples to create a beautiful presentation. Don’t rush; this is where love goes into your pie.
Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for another 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling period allows the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with your choice of ice cream or cream.