To make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the flour and salt.
Work all through the shortening till the combination is evenly crumbly. Cube the butter into 1/2″ objects, and reduce into the combination till you’ve got acquired flakes of butter the size of a dime.
Add the water 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing with a fork as you sprinkle the water into the dough. When the dough is moist sufficient to carry collectively while you squeeze it, swap it to a little bit of wax or parchment paper. It is OK if there are some dry spots all through the pile. Use a sprig bottle of water to flippantly spritz these areas; that technique chances are high you may add merely sufficient water to convey the dough collectively with out making a moist spot.
Fold the dough over on itself three or 4 instances to convey it collectively, then divide it into two objects, one about twice as large as the choice. The bigger piece might be the underside crust; the smaller piece, the perfect crust. Pat every little little bit of dough correct proper right into a disk about 3/4″ thick.
Roll every disk on its edge, like a wheel, to scrub out the edges. This step will guarantee your dough will roll out evenly, with out varied cracks and splits on the edges later. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for half-hour prior to rolling.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Calmly grease a 9″ pie pan that might be a minimal of 1 1/2″ to 2″ deep; throughout the event you make the most of the shallower likelihood, the pie will likely be additional domed.
To make the filling: Mix the sliced apples and lemon juice in an unlimited mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk collectively the sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, and spices. Sprinkle the combination over the apples, and stir to coat them. Stir all through the boiled cider (or apple juice focus) and the vanilla.
To assemble the pie: Roll the bigger piece of pastry correct proper right into a 13″ circle. Change it to the ready pan, and trim the edges so that they overlap the rim of the pan by an inch all one of many easiest methods spherical.
Spoon the apple filling into the pan. Dot the perfect with the diced butter.
Roll out the remaining pastry to an 11″ circle. Fastidiously place the pastry over the apples. Carry the overhanging backside crust up and excessive crust, pinching to seal the 2 and making an ornamental crimp. Prick the crust all by with a fork, to permit steam to flee. Or reduce ornamental vent holes, if desired. Alternatively, chances are high you may weave a lattice.
For additional crunch and shine, brush the perfect crust with milk (or an egg white crushed with 1 tablespoon of water), and sprinkle with coarse glowing sugar. Place the pie all through the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up the crust whereas the oven finishes heating.
Place the pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then scale back the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 40 minutes additional, till you see the filling effervescent contained throughout the pie (and maybe dripping onto the parchment). Research the pie after half an hour of baking time, and canopy the edges with foil or a pie defend to maintain up them from browning too shortly, if crucial.
When the pie is achieved — you could possibly see the filling effervescent vigorously, every all through the edges, or by way of any ornamental vents — take away it from the oven.
Cool the pie completely prior to slicing — really. Reducing any fruit pie that is nonetheless heat is a messy enterprise. The filling continues to thicken on account of the pie cools, and throughout the event you reduce it too quickly it may run out all through. It is elevated to bake the pie upfront, cool it completely, then heat every slice as wished after it has been reduce.
Retailer any leftover pie, flippantly coated, at room temperature for quite a lot of days. Freeze for longer storage.