WHICH APPLES ARE THE BEST FOR APPLE PIE RECIPES

Steps:

• For the pie crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. With a pastry cutter, gradually cut the cold butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces form. In a small bowl, combine the cold water and apple cider vinegar. Add the vinegar mixture to the flour/butter mixture 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently in between each addition. Stir together until all of the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture holds together when pinched with your fingers. Turn the mixture out onto a clean countertop and knead 4 to 5 times until combined. Divide the dough into two evenly sized balls and flatten each to a disk shape, about 1/2-inch thick (with minimal cracks). Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (or up to 2 days).
• Preheat the oven to 425˚ and place a baking sheet on the bottom rack.
• Roll out the remaining disk of dough on a floured surface into a 13-inch round. Carefully lay the dough over the filling, fold the overhanging dough under the overhang from the bottom crust, and crimp the edges of the crust using a fork. Cut a few 1-inch slits in the top crust (to release the steam). Brush the top of the pie with heavy cream. 
• Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350˚ and bake, rotating halfway through, until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, 50 to 60 more minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool about 2 hours before slicing.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350º. Peel apples, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Toss apples with cinnamon and 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
• Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat; add brown sugar, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and place 1 piecrust in skillet over brown sugar mixture. Spoon apple mixture over piecrust, and top with remaining piecrust. Whisk egg white until foamy. Brush top of piecrust with egg white; sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar. Cut 4 or 5 slits in top for steam to escape.
• Bake at 350º for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly, shielding with aluminum foil during last 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes before serving. Serve with butter-pecan ice cream.