Potluck Apple Pie

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup shortening

Filling

• 1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
• 3 pounds tart apples (8 to 9 medium), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour and water until smooth; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine salt and remaining flour; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add reserved flour mixture; knead gently until dough forms a ball.
4. Press dough into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
5. Spread 1/4 cup syrup over crust.
6. Arrange apples over syrup.
7. Combine sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla and remaining syrup; drizzle over apples.
8. For topping, combine flour and sugar in a bowl; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Stir in pecans.
10. Sprinkle over filling.
11. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until apples are tender.

Yield: 18-24 servings

Editors note: Pastry can be easily pressed into pan by placing a large sheet of plastic wrap on top of the dough.

Source: Taste of Home June/July 1998