Apple-Cranberry Pie

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 1 hr
Start to Finish: 2 hrs 30 mins (plus time for piecrust dough)

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds assorted apples (such as Rome and Granny Smith), peel, half, cut all into 1/2- to 3/4-inch chunks
4 ounces dried apple rings or pieces, coarsely chopped
1 12 ounce bag frozen cranberries, thawed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh finely ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus additional for cookie sheet
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 recipes Piecrust (see Recipe Center), do not roll out or blind bake
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat. Add apples (fresh and dried), cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened, about 8 minutes. Add sugar and cook, stirring, until dissolved, about 2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat; stir in flour and juice. Let cool.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degree F and arrange rack in lower third of oven. Roll out 1 piece of dough according to Piecrust directions, for bottom crust, trimming overhang to 1/4 inch.

3. Roll out remaining piece of dough into a 17-inch round. Trim into a 13-inch round and transfer to a lightly floured cookie sheet. Decoratively cut out circles with a 1/4- or 1/3-inch plain pastry tip dipped in flour and a larger circle (about 1 inch) in center. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

4. Spoon filling into bottom crust. Cover with top crust and trim overhang to 1/2 inch; tuck under bottom crust, pressing edges together to seal. Brush crust with egg and chill pie until dough is firm, about 15 minutes.

5. Bake pie until golden brown and apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool 30 minutes before cutting and serving. Makes 8 servings.