Apple Custard Pie

We have 3 apples here, and I was going to make an apple pie, but all the recipes I've looked at called for double the amount, plus I only had one pie crust in the freezer. I figured there's a reason for apple pies to have a top, and came across this tart recipe instead. It looked promising, and after reading the directions on the back of the box for the pie crust, I simplified the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 pie crust

Custard:
1/4 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup half and half cream (10-14% fat)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs apple brandy (optional)

Apples:
1.5 lbs apples (any firm textured apples will do)
1-4 tbs sugar
2 tbs unsalted butter

Cinnamon Sugar:
Whisk together 1 tbs sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon



Method:
Custard:
In a bowl, whisk flour and sugar together.
Mix in eggs and stir to make a smooth paste.
Do not let this mixture sit too long, as it will form a crust.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream until it just starts to boil and foams.
Remove from heat and gradually whisk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
Whisk in vanilla and apple brandy, if using.
Set aside while you prepare the apples.


Apples:
Peel, core and slice into 1/4 inch thick slices (5mm).
Melt 2 tbs butter in a large skillet over medium heat and stir in the sugar.
Add apples and saute until they begin to soften (~5-10 min).
Set aside.


Assemble Tart:
Preheat oven to 350F, middle rack.
Place tart on a baking sheet.
Arrange the apple wedges in circles into the shell (it's easier to start from the outer ring).
Pour the custard over the apples. You might have some leftover.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until custard has set.


Comments:
I cut out a few steps from the original recipe. Partially because I wasn't using a tart shell, and so sogginess is not a big deal. Also, after taking out the pie, I looked at it and decided I didn't really need to create a browned/caramelized top.

Confession: I only arranged the top outer edge nicely. The bottom layer of apples was just poured in.


Verdict:
It smells good! Will update when it's cooled.