Applesauce Apple Tarts Apple Cider

Apple Pie

Basic Pie Dough: made in advance

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 tablespoon salt

2/3 cup chilled vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, cut into

1/2-inch cubes,chilled

1/2 cup ice water, approximately

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt

Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarce cornmeal with a few pea-sized pieces

Stir in enough of the ice water until the dough begins to clump together

Gather up the dough and divide into two flat disks, in 2/3 and 1/3 portions

Wrap each in waxed paper and chill for 1 hour

For old-fashioned flavor and a flaky texture, use vegetable shortening with apple pie

Filling

5 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground all spice

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

To make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with apple juice

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a very large skillet over medium heat

Add half of the apples and 1/3 cup brown sugar

Cook, stirring occassionally, until the apples are barely tender about 5 minutes