All American Apple Pie

1/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. flour
1 t. lemon zest
1/4 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
6 medium Braeburn apples; peeled, cored, and sliced. (about 2 lbs.)
1 egg, beaten (optional)
1 t. sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, flour, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well. Add apples to sugar mixture; coat. Place first pie crust into pie plate. Spoon apple mixture into prepared plate. Place second pie crust on top of filling. Trim edges and press together. Use a sharp knife to cut steam vents on top. If desired, lightly brush top of pie crust with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Place on a wire rack and cool.

Pie crust
Single crust: (you'll need to double this)
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. shortening
4 - 5 T. ice cold water

Mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening until pieces are size of small peas. Sprinkle water over 1 T. at a time. Mix. Form into a ball. Flatten out slightly on a lightly floured surface. Roll from center to edge until desired thickness or size will fit pie plate. (I use saran wrap when I roll out my crust.)

by Catherine S.