Our favorite Apple Pie recipe

April 21, 2020

Ever since we visited the Bourbon trail in Kentucky, we have been experimenting with bourbon in various recipes. So in honor of National Apple Pie Day on May 13th, we would like to share one of our favorite pie recipes that has a touch of bourbon.

Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Pie

Pie crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter, chilled (diced or grated works best)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ice water

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Separate in 2 dough balls. Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Roll half the dough out to fit a 9 inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Reserve other half of dough for top crust.

 

Apple filling:

  • 5 large Granny Smith apples peeled and sliced
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar no substitutions
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/3 c. Evan William Fire bourbon whiskey
  • scoop of vanilla ice cream

Arrange one of the pie crusts into the bottom of a deep dish pie pan. Fill the pie shell with the apples.

In a medium pot, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, water, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.

Remove from heat, and add butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and bourbon whiskey. Pour mixture evenly over the apples. Arrange the top crust, and pinch edges to seal. Prick with a fork.

Bake at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes, or until pie is golden brown, and the apples feel soft when a toothpick is inserted near the center. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Snowman in a hat and scarf stands in front of a snow-covered house with lit windows.

Top 10 Winter Activities in Asheville

By odysys_admin • December 15, 2025
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
Road beneath an arched stone bridge covered in vines and surrounded by trees.

Haunted Asheville

By odysys_admin • October 30, 2025
We are lucky to have great friends that grew up in Asheville. They have told us about some interesting local hauntings and strange experiences. With Halloween around the corner, we thought this was the right time to share some of these ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity.
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