Apple Slices

Today, Kevin and I went to a picnic and we were in charge of the baked beans and a dessert.  Well, naturally, I made the Chuckwagon Beans found in an earlier post to the blog.  For the dessert, I decided to make Apple Slices.  No, I wasn't trying to bring fall around sooner than we should!  I just thought a nice apple slice with the comfort of cinnamon in the background was just the trick.


It was a great day all the way around.  Spending time with the people you love, hearing the kids running around laughing and having fun, and great summertime foods!  Everyone who brought dishes, hats off to you!  They were all very good.

Apple Slices


Crust:

5 cups (25 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon table salt
5 tablespoons sugar
3 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup cold vodka
1/2 cup cold water 

Filling:

9 to 10  apples (Any baking apple, I used Gala)

¾ cup sugar (Taste an apple after you mix all ingredients, add more sugar if needed.)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons butter

Frosting:

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons milk

11x17-inch jelly roll pan

1. Process flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps using short pulses, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour).

2. Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. Process until dough comes together.  Divide dough into two disks.  Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

3.  On a floured sheet of waxed paper; roll out the larger piece of pie dough to fit the bottom and sides of the jelly roll pan.  It is easiest to do this if you fold it in half before moving it.  There should be enough dough on the sides to be able to pinch together when you put on the top crust.

4.  Peel and slice the apples.  Taste a piece to see how much sugar you will need.  Stir sugar and cinnamon in with apples.  Sprinkle in the flour and stir to distribute.  Put apples into dough-lined pan.  Dot with butter.

5.  On another floured sheet of waxed paper, roll out the other rectangle of pie dough to fit the jelly roll pan and place on top of the apples.  Crimp edges on all sides and cut some slits in the top crust.  Chill while preheating oven to 375˚.

6.  Bake until crust is lightly browned, 50 to 60 minutes.  If the crust is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to 350˚ for the last 10 minutes.

7.  While apple slices are baking, combine the frosting ingredients and stir until smooth. 
Frost apple slices while still hot.