01 -
Okay, first things first, let's get that crust ready. In a big bowl, whisk together your flour, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Now, cut in that super cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. You want pea-sized crumbs, not a smooth dough. Then, slowly, and I mean slowly, drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until it just barely comes together. Don't overmix! Split the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, wrap 'em up, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is critical for a truly flaky <b>rustic homemade peach pie</b> crust.
02 -
While the dough chills, get those beautiful peaches ready. Some folks blanch them to peel, but I find a sharp paring knife does the trick just fine, especially if they're super ripe. Slice them into about half-inch thick wedges. I love seeing the vibrant orange and pink hues, it just screams summer! This is where you can really see the fresh ingredients that make this <b>rustic homemade peach pie</b> so special. Don't worry if a few slices are a bit wonky; it just adds to the charm.
03 -
In a large bowl, gently toss your sliced peaches with both granulated and brown sugar, cornstarch (don't forget it like I did that one time!), lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Give it a good, but gentle, mix until every peach slice is coated. You'll start to smell that amazing fruity-spicy aroma already, honestly, it's divine. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you roll out your bottom crust; this allows the juices to mingle and the cornstarch to start doing its magic.
04 -
Grab one of your chilled dough discs. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving about a half-inch overhang, and then crimp or flute them. Don't stress about perfection here; a slightly imperfect, rustic edge is part of the charm of a homemade pie. Pour your peach filling into the crust, making sure to get all those delicious juices in there too. This is the heart of your <b>rustic homemade peach pie</b>, so make sure it's snug.
05 -
Now for the top! You can either roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, cutting a few slits for steam, or go for a classic lattice. For a lattice, slice the dough into even strips and weave them over the filling. It looks harder than it is, I promise! Just take your time. Once your top is on, trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal everything up. I sometimes get a little messy here, but it always bakes up beautifully.
06 -
Brush the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar. Pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts browning too fast, loosely tent it with foil. The kitchen will smell incredible, trust me! Let it cool completely on a wire rack—this is the hardest part, but it lets the filling set properly for your perfect <b>rustic homemade peach pie</b>.