Caramel Pecan "make You Cry" Apple Pie

CookingQueen417's Note:

I had a dream where I made the perfect apple pie. when I woke up, I remembered that is was no dream! Pecans, apples, and my secret caramel sauce combine with hints of vanilla, maple, brandy and citrus in a pie so good your grandma might cry!

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 1.0 pie

• 1 cup pecans (whole or pieces, feel free to use your favorites)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 0.5 (3 ounce) package vanilla cook-and -serve pudding (NOT INSTANT)
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 1 dash vanilla extract
• 2 (9 inch) pie crusts
• 3 -4 cups peeled and sliced apples (I use a combination of granny smith, golden delicious and bi-color hybrid like braeburn)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or more depending on tartness of your apples)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 1 dash nutmeg
• 1 dash powdered ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 teaspoon brandy extract
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of

Directions:

1. Butter 9in deep dish pie pan and line with nuts.
2. In small sauce pan combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla pudding, and cinnamon and bring to a low bubble on medium heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar is dissolved. Pour over nuts evenly.
3. Top with the first crust.
4. In a large bowl mix dry ingredients together. Add apples and extracts and toss or stir gently to coat.
5. Carefully scoop apples into pie crust and even out. Top with remaining crust and pinch the seams together.
6. Brush Crust with egg wash if desired, this will be the bottom so not necessary to be too pretty. Prick repeatedly to vent.
7. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet. This is Necessary as this pie WILL bubble over!
8. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes and then 350 for 1 1/2 hours approximately.
9. Remove and let rest for no more than 5 minutes! Loosen from pan and invert onto a large serving platter or pan.
10. Remove pie pan gently.
11. Let cool briefly and serve with your favorite ice cream. I recommend Vanilla Bean or Butter Pecan.
12. Enjoy!