1. Preheat oven to 400 [degrees] F. In a large saucepan combine dried
apples and cider or juice. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer,
covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer,
uncovered, for 15 minutes (juices will be slightly thickened).
2. Meanwhile, prepare Apple Pie Pastry. Roll two-thirds of the pastry to
a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 inch
beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry. Crimp edge as desired.
Add the prepared apple filling, spreading evenly. Dot with butter.
3. Cover edge of pie with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake
for 20 to 25 minutes more or until pastry is golden brown and apple edges
begin to brown. Cool on wire rack.
4. Meanwhile, roll remaining pastry into an oval about 6x4 inches. With a
pastry or pizza cutter, cut into 1/2-inch-wide free-form shapes. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until
edges are browned. Scatter shapes on top of pie before serving. Makes 8
servings.
Apple Pie Pastry: In a medium mixing bowl stir together 1 3/4 cups
all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in
1/2 cup shortening until pieces are the size of small peas. Using a total
of 5 to 6 tablespoons cold water, sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over part
of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of
bowl. Repeat until all is moistened. Form into ball.
Nutrition facts per serving: 388 cal., 15 g total fat (4 g sat. fat), 4
mg chol., 199 mg sodium, 55 g carbo., 5 g fiber, and 3 g pro. Daily
Values: 1% vit. A, 4% vit. C, 2% calcium, and 12% iron
Comments:
You'll need to make strudel dough or buy filo. I worked with 4 bakers
over the years who had different methods. Polish, German, French and
Hungarian. The French did it with puff dough, the same as the German. Polish
and Hungarian chefs used both commercial and their own filo dough. The best
version in my opinion was the filo. Lay a sheet down. sprinkle with
melted butter and sugar and add another layer, continue for 5-6
layers. Keep a damp cloth over the opened package of filo or it will dry
out and fall apart as you work. Peel, core and grate the apples, shred
them on a cheese grater, squeese the excess juice out by twisting in a
clean towel. Add a bit of melted butter and sugar. Add walnuts if you want (I
prefer none). Form the apples along the edge of the dough and roll it up.
Seam should go underneath. 350F until golden brown.
Cheers, Gerard

Apple Crisp