APPLE PIE WITH SUGAR CRUST RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups flour and salt in bowl; cut in 1/2 cup butter and shortening with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Combine cold water, egg and vinegar in bowl. Add egg mixture to flour mixture; mix with fork just until flour is moistened. Divide dough in half; shape each half into a ball; flatten slightly. Wrap each ball of dough in plastic food wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
• Roll out 1 ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch glass pie pan; unfold, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan. Set aside.
• Heat oven to 350°F. 
• Combine apples, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon in large bowl; toss to coat. Spoon apple mixture into prepared crust. Dot apple mixture with 3 tablespoons butter.
• Roll out second ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough over filling; unfold. Trim, seal and crimp or flute edge. Cut 5 or 6 large slits in top crust. Sprinkle top of crust evenly with 2 tablespoons sugar.
• Cover edge of crust with 2-inch strip of aluminum foil. Bake 45 minutes; remove foil. Continue baking 10-20 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool 20-30 minutes before cutting.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. In medium bowl, mix 2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).
• Gather pastry into a ball. Divide pastry in half; shape each half into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap flattened rounds of pastry in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 45 minutes or until firm and cold, yet pliable.
• On lightly floured surface, roll 1 round of pastry into circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate, using floured rolling pin. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate. Unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side.
• In large bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, the cinnamon, nutmeg and dash of salt. Stir in apples. Spoon into pastry-lined pie plate. Cut butter into small pieces; sprinkle over apples. Trim overhanging edge of bottom pastry 1/2 inch from rim of plate.
• Roll other round of pastry. Fold pastry into fourths and cut slits so steam can escape; place over filling and unfold. Trim overhanging edge of top pastry 1 inch from rim of plate. Fold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal; flute. Brush top crust with 1 tablespoon water; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Cover edge with 2- to 3-inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours.