It's peak apple season--and that makes it peak apple pie season as well! But perfect apples don't turn themselves into perfect apple pie. Target has a complete selection of baking gadgets specifically designed to help you make a perfect pie.

Threshold Apple Peeler, $19.99
Despite its old-fashioned looks, a rotary apple peeler such as this is still the best way to make quick work of peeling apples. A suction base keeps it attached to any flat kitchen surface and, in addition to peeling, it also cores and spiral-cuts apples as you spin! We also guarantee that if you have any little kitchen helpers they will find this tool is irresistibly fun, meaning you may not have to peel a single apple yourself this year!

Threshold 3-cup Stainless Steel Flour Sifter, $6.99
One of the secrets to making a tender, flaky crust is first sifting your flour so it can quickly be combined with butter and water without over-mixing, which results in a tough, cardboard-like crust. For optimal results, chill the flour and your mixing bowl in the fridge before mixing--it will help keep the butter from melting while it is being cut in with the dry ingredients.

Threshold Stoneware Pie Plate, $10.49
For pies, it's great to have a baking dish that is also beautiful enough to bring to the table for serving, such as this stoneware pie plate. If you're used to working with metal pie tins, you may be surprised at how nicely a pie baked in a stoneware dish comes out. The material transfers heat more evenly to bake a consistently golden crust and also helps retain warmth once the pie is finished baking, meaning the apple pie you finished baking just before dinner will still be warm in time for dessert.

Threshold Yum Dessert Plates, $15.99
Punctuate dessert with with a YUM by using these sweet glazed dessert plates that are perfectly sized for pie. Though vanilla ice cream on warm apple pie is hard to beat, consider branching out with your apple pie accompaniments this year. In parts of New England, you wouldn't be served apple pie without a slice of cheddar cheese melting alongside or on top of it. Or, whip up some fresh cream combined with a couple tablespoons of your favorite liqueur or extract for flavor.

Visit Target's Fall Home Catalog for more baking inspiration and other seasonal notes. Need a great apple pie recipe? We recommend the Classic Apple Pie Recipe from Magnolia Bakery.



We can't wait to bake our first pie this year — let us know how yours are turning out and what you do to make them special in the comments!

Image: Stephanie Barlow