Shelly's Recipe

DEEP-DISH APPLE PIE WITH CHEDDAR CRUST

Category: Pies - Fruit

Crust
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into pieces
6 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into
1/2 inch pieces
6 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded
2/3 cup (about) ice water

Fruit
4 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
2/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup plus 2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg, beaten to blend with 1 tbsp water (for glaze)

For crust: Blend flour and salt in processor. Add shortening and butter and cut in using several on/off turns. Add cheese and cut in until shortening and butter resemble small peas. With machine running, gradually blend in enough water until soft moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

For fruit: Mix apples, raisins, brown sugar, 1/3 cup sugar, flour, lemon juice and spices in large bowl. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 400. Remove dough from refrigerator and let stand 15 minutes. Spoon fruit and any accumulated juices into 13x9-inch oval baking dish. Dot fruit with 3 tbsp butter.

Roll out dough on floured surface to oval about 1/2 inch larger than baking dish. Fold in 1/2 inch of edge to form double-thick border; crimp. Cut out 1-inch-wide hole from center of crust. Using tart pan bottom as aid, lift dough and place atop fruit. Tuck in dough around edges.

Bake pie 15 minutes. Brush crust with egg glaze. Top with 2 tsp sugar. Reduce oven temperature to 375. Bake pastry until golden, about 35 minutes. Cool on rack 15 minutes. Serve warm. Serves 8