...The reason why I use quotations in "homemade" in this is because, the crust was not homemade, it was store bought *dies*

But this is the perfect dish for the coming fall!

Recipe is from "The Joy Of Cooking" from Irma Rombauer (I have the 1975 edition, so yes, old recipe is old :P)

Ingredients:

2 deep dish pie crusts (9 inch), store bought

5 to 6 cups apples, pared, cored and sliced
1/2 to 2/3 cup white or brown sugar (went with brown, and only 1/2 cup which is more than enough...I like my apple pie to be a bit more on the 'tart' side)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Its important to note: Only VERY tart apples require the larger amount of sugar; and only very juicy apples require the larger amount of cornstarch. So all you need to do is just evenly coat the apples with the above mix, and then place them in layers in the pie shell.

Then dot with: 1 1/2 tablespoons butter

What I also recommend (and what the book recommends as well) is to add:

1 tablespoon lemon juice (used cranberry juice instead)
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (skipped, but dont let that stop you)
1 teaspoon vanilla

If you are serving the pie with cheese, omit the recommendation above and use 1 teaspoon fennel or anise seed.

Should the apples be very dry you can add 2 tablespoons water or cream - however, I would recommend reserving that for the crust instead; not just to seal both crusts together, but also, to 'glaze' the top crust so in that way, it gets crisper.

Preheat oven to 450 F and then prick the top part of the crust in a few spots with a fork. You will also notice that this pie is also on a large cookie sheet, covered with foil...I definitely recommend that step, because this pie can and will 'bubble over' with its apple goodness and make a huge mess in your oven if you let it!

Reduce heat to 350 F and bake until done, 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown (I went in between, 40 minutes...thankfully, my slow oven was cooperating with me today :P)

What you can also do is baste the top crust with milk or water as stated previously, or, put on a pinch or two of cinnamon and sugar on the crust as well, if desired.

You will need to give this pie at least a ten minute rest to set properly (if you can resist the aroma of delishus apple pie, that is....its still calling me....WHY MUST YOU BE SUCH AN EVIL MISTRESS, OH PIE, WHY!?!?)

*coughs*

Anyway, enjoy :P