Apple Pie Filling

3 1/2 C. blanched, fresh apples in 1/4” slices

3/4 C. Sugar

1/2 t. Cinnamon

1/8 t. Nutmeg (optional)

1/2 C. Cold Water

1/2 C. Apple Juice

2 T. Lemon Juice

Peel, core, and slice apples into a medium bowl. To blanch the apples cover bowl with plastic wrap, and microwave for 5 minutes. Shake bowl to stir apple slices, and microwave until tender. Combine dry ingredients in medium saucepan. Add water, lemon juice, and apple juice and cook on medium heat until thick and bubbly. Fold in drained apple slices. Turn into unbaked pie crust. Cover with the top crust and seal edges well. Prick and decorate as desired. Brush lightly with milk, avoiding crimped edges, and sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar.

Bake at 400*F for 20 Minutes, reducing heat to 350*F and bake for 30-40 more minutes until crust is golden brown.

-Taralee Cooper