Potluck Apple Pie

Source: Taste of Home June/July 1998

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup water
Pinch of salt
1 cup shortening

Filling:
1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
3 pounds tart apples (8 to 9 medium), peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup chopped pecans

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour and water until smooth; set aside, In a large bowl, combine salt and remaining flour; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add reserved flour mixture; knead gently until dough forms a ball. Press dough into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Spread 1/4 cup syrup over crust. Arrange apples over syrup.

Combine sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla and remaining syrup; drizzle over apples.

For topping, combine flour and sugar in a bowl; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over filling.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until apples are tender.

Yield: 18-24 servings

Editors note: Pastry can be easily pressed into pan by placing a large sheet of plastic wrap on top of the dough.