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1
Preheat oven to 425F (220C)
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2
Divide pastry dough into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other.
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3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger piece of dough into a circle large enough to fit pie plate, dusting work surface and dough as necessary to keep the dough from sticking (or roll between 2 pieces of waxed or parchment paper).
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4
Press dough into prepared pie plate.
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5
Place pie plate in freezer or refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to chill while you prepare the filling.
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6
Roll out remaining dough for top crust and set aside at room temperature on sheet of parchment paper.
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7
Filling: In a large bowl, gently combine apples, sugar, flour, Marsala, if using, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, making sure apples are well coated.
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8
Transfer filling to prepared bottom crust, gently pressing the apples into pastry with your hand and mounding them slightly in the center.
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9
Lightly brush edge of pastry with a little water.
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10
Place top crust over apples, trimming and fluting edge.
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11
Cut steam vents in top of pie.
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12
Brush top with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
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13
Place pie plate on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
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14
Reduce heat to 350F (180C) and continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes more or until top is nicely browned, apples are tender and juices are bubbling.
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15
Insert a knife through one of the vents in top of pie to make sure that apples are tender.
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16
If pie starts to get too brown before its finished baking, cover loosely with a piece of tented foil.
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17
Let cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before serving.
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18
Variation:
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19
Substitute your favorite spirit for the Marsala, such as whiskey, bourbon or rum.