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1
Make the crust: Pulse the flour, 4 tablespoons butter, the shortening, sugar and salt in a food processor until it looks like fine meal.
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2
Add the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and pulse until it is in pea-size pieces.
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3
Drizzle in the vodka and 3 tablespoons cold water and pulse until the dough just comes together.
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4
Divide the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap; use the plastic to help form each half into a disk.
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5
Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
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6
(The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.)
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7
Make the filling: Peel the apples and slice 1/2 inch thick.
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8
Transfer to a bowl and toss with the sugar and lemon juice.
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9
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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10
Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 15 to 18 minutes.
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11
Add the flour, heavy cream, cinnamon and salt and stir until the juices thicken, about 2 minutes.
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12
Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
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13
(The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
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14
Roll out 1 disk of dough into a 13-inch round on a floured surface.
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15
Ease into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate.
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16
Add the filling, mounding it in the center; dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
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17
Roll out the remaining disk of dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface.
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18
Lay the dough over the filling and press the edges together.
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19
Fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp the edge with your fingers.
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20
Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.
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21
Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape.
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22
Chill at least 1 hour.
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23
Set a baking sheet on a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Set the pie on the hot baking sheet and reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F; bake until golden, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, rotating the pie as needed for even browning.
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24
(Cover the edge with foil if it is browning too quickly.)
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25
Transfer to a rack and let cool until set, about 3 hours.
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26
Photograph by Johnny Miller
