FILLING:

9-12 apples (2 1/2 quarts, sliced)
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. butter

DOUGH:

1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. shortening
3 tbsp. cold milk

Peel and slice apples to fill a 12"x8"x2" baking dish. Combine sugar, spices and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over apples, mixing lightly. Dot with butter.

Sift together flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in shortening. Add milk by teaspoon tossing with fork until mixture is just damp. Turn mixture onto wax paper. Gather up corners pressing from outside to form compact ball. Roll out to about 1/8" thick between two pieces of wax paper or on floured board. Place over apples. Cut steam vents.

Bake in very hot oven, 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to moderate oven, 350 degrees and bake 45 minutes longer.

My mother is an excellent baker and all of her pies are good, but this one is my all time favorite.