Golden Delicious Apple Pie 

from Scott's Gramma Violet Bucher

6 cups sliced, peeled Golden Delicious apples
¾ cup plus 2 Tbl apple juice, divided
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp apple pie spice
¼ tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbl cornstarch

Crust:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup cold butter or margarine
6-8 Tbl ice water
(also good with a pre-made crust, such as Pillsbury)


In a large saucepan, combine apples, ¾ cup apple juice, sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice and vanilla; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Combine cornstarch and remaining apple juice; add to saucepan. Return to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1 minute more or until thickened. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in the butter until crumbly. Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time; stir with a fork until dough can be formed into a ball. Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place in plate and add filling. Roll remaining pastry to fit top of pie. Place over filling and seal edges; cut vents in the top. If desired, decorate top of pie with pastry scraps cut into small apple shapes. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and apples are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.