In Southern California it's starting to get a bit warm. For me it signals that Summer is near and my favorite thing to have is apple pie. I was always apprehensive to make pie from scratch. I remember how easily my abuelita would make the crust. Within minutes there was some type of pie baking in the oven for a special order or for my aunts to take to an office party. 
My abuelita recently passed away. In her honor I let go of my fear and dipped my hand in the masa so to speak. I used a recipe that my dear friend Starskee Suave (yes that is his name) shared with me. I was always in awe of his pie. My mom enjoyed his apple pies so much that each time she saw him, she asked "Where's my pie?".
For our pies, I seasoned the apples with cinnamon, sugar, and little lemon. They just marinate while I make the crust. When my mom took a bite and said it tasted just like her mom's then I knew I had it down. We can also make them vegan. I'm still working on a gluten-free crust.
We now offer mini apple pies that weigh about 8oz because we packed it with lots of apples. These are available at the Eagle Rock Plaza Farmer's Market.