The Best Apple Pie Ever!

I got this from the Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cook Book which I had purchased in 1984 -yes, 1984.. which Iman had almost torned to pieces when she was a baby. ha-ha.. I made it a couple of times a long time ago but the children didnt like it then.

Now the pie wouldnt last long in the fridge once I put it there.. I am posting this especially for Fatin whom I know adore apple pies..

If you like the apple pie at McD, trust me this tastes folds better..

Pastry:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
5 - 6 tablespoons coldwater (depending on the consistency that you have)
Milk (for brushing)

1. Stir together flour and salt
2. Rub in shortening till the mixtures resembles coarse crumbs
3. Sprinkle in cold water, a spoonful at a time, until pastry holds together
4. Shape pastry into a ball.
5. Divide pastry into 2 pieces, one slightly bigger than the other
6. On floured surface roll the larger ball into a circle, 2 inches larger all around than the pie plate
7. Transfer the pastry to pie plate. Fill with apple filling (see below)
8. Roll the smaller ball as previous piece
9. Place over the filling in the pie plate
10. With a sharp knife cut a few slashes/put patterns on the center of the pie
11. Trim pastry edges. Press close with a fork along the edge of the pie plate.
12. Brush the top lightly with some milk.
13. Bake 40 - 50 mins in a preheated oven at 190 degrees C.

Apple Filling:
2/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated smells / tastes better than off the rack powder)
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 to 2 teaspoon lemon juice
4 to 5 medium green apples (peeled, cored and thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon butter / margerine

1. Combine sugar and next five ingredients
2. Place half of sliced apple in the pie and sprinkle with half of the sugar mixture. Top with the rest of the apple and the rest of sugar mixture
3. Dot the filling with butter / margerine.

ps - Use Crisco brand shortening (vegetable of course) not the generic ones that you can find. They make a whole world of difference. Trust me. And dont buy McCormick / MasterFoods spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) they cost the earth! You can get cheaper ones at local bakery supply stores. And, lemons are cheaper at Carrefour compared to Jusco / Giant - well, most of the time anyway.. that's it I think.

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