All American Apple Pie

Okay, this apple pie recipe has become an all time favorite at our house. The smells from the oven are enough to make your mouth water and then when you taste this pie with it's tart and sweet flavors you will truly feel like you've gone to heaven. Top with vanilla bean ice cream. YUM!


-PASTRY FOR DOUBLE CRUST-
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter-chilled and cut in small pieces
4-6 Tablespoons ice-cold water

-FILLING-
3 Granny Smith apples
2 Fuji or Gala apples
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice

1. To make the crust, stir the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening and butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and stir with a fork to moisten all the dough. Gather the dough into a ball with your hands. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Roll out the other half and set it aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

3. Peel and core the apples and cut them into thin slices into a large bowl. Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and allspice in a small bowl and toss with the apples. Spoon the filling into the pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter.

4. Position the top crust over the pie and seal the edges. Cut steam vents in the top crust in a. Trim and flute the edges.

5. Beat one egg with a fork, brush it over the crst, and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Cover edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. Bake for 25 minutes; remove the foil. Bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.