8cupsGranny Smith apples (peeled, cored, & sliced (about 6-8 apples depending on size))
6Tbspsugar, increase sugar depending on how tart your apples are
1Tbspcinnamon
1/4tspnutmeg
2Tbspcornstarch
1cupPanko breadcrumbs (or other coarse dry bread crumbs; or 1 cup coarsely crushed cornflakes)
Glaze:
1 1/2cupspowdered sugar
1/4cupapple cider
small pinch of salt
1/2tspcinnamon
1tspmilk or cream, optional, if necessary to thin the glaze (*substitute 1/3 cup honey OR 1/4 cup thawed frozen apple juice concentrate or maple syrup)
Instructions
To make crust: In a large bowl, with a pastry cutter gradually work the Crisco into the flour until it resembles a coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a fork & pour it into the flour/shortening mixture. Add cold ice water, white vinegar, & salt. Stir together until all ingredients are incorporated. (I had to add extra flour b/c it was very wet; if you need to add flour do ¼ cup at a time, until it comes together.)
Separate dough into 2 pieces 60% by 40%. You need one slightly bigger than the other. Shape into rectangles & wrap in plastic wrap. Place in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile prepare the filling by peeling, coring, & slicing apples. After apples are ready, sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, & cornstarch. Toss to coat. Let macerate at room temperature while you clean up.
Preheat the oven to 350*F. Pull the larger piece of pie dough out of the freezer. Roll into a 11x15" rectangle. Place the crust in an un-greased 9x13" pan. Patch up any holes by pushing the pastry together with your fingers. Push the pastry up the sides of the pan a bit, to make a shallow pastry container for the apples.
Spread bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes evenly over the crust. Spread the sliced apples atop the crumbs.
Remove the smaller crust from the freezer. Roll into a 9x13" rectangle. Lay the top crust over the apples. Seal the edges of the two crusts as well as you can.
Bake for one hour until crust is golden brown, & filling bubbles. Remove from oven & allow to cool completely before glazing.
To make the glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, salt & enough milk or cream to make the mixture pourable, but thick. Add milk/cream a little at a time b/c it is easier to add more than to try to take it away. Drizzle the glaze over the apple slab pie.