John, If you prefer your apple pie to have a soft texture, you might consider using apples like Macintosh, which soften quickly while baking. Or if you like the flavor of apples like Honey Crisp, you can either make note to cook the pie for longer (covering the top with tin foil if it starts to brown too fast) or you could cook the filling slightly in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or over medium-low heat on the stove top before adding it to the crust. This will begin the cooking process so it doesn't all have to be done in the oven. There's no magic bullet for knowing when your pie is done, but look for those bubbling juices and an internal temperature of around 175 degrees. Happy pie baking! Kye@KAF

• Reply