Christmas Apple Pie

Prepare Rich Pie Pastry.

Pour boiling water over dried fruit. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In a very large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, lemon peel, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in drained fruit and apples; set aside.

On lightly floured surface, roll 1 dough disk from center to edges into 12-inch circle. To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin; unroll into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate being careful not to stretch pastry. Transfer fruit filling to the pastry-lined pie plate. Trim pastry to edge of pie plate. Brush edge with a little water.

Roll remaining dough disk into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Cut slits to allow steam to escape. Place remaining pastry on filling; trim 1/2 inch beyond edge of plate. Fold top pastry under bottom pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Brush with half-and-half, light cream, or milk. Sprinkle with some sugar. To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of pie with foil. Place pie on a cookie sheet to catch any drips.

Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 35 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes more or until top is golden and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 8 servings.