Have a hankering for that classic American Apple Pie? Here's a tip to help you eliminate that air space between the fruit and the top crust as well as cut down the baking time.
Place your cut fruit into a large pot and add the sugar, flour, butter, seasonings and 1-2 Tblsp of water. Mix well and allow the sugar to begin making its own syrup and then place on low heat. Continue stirring until apples have softened and syrup is slightly bubbling (may need to turn the heat up a bit). Pour fruit into dough-lined pie plate, cover with top crust, seal edges and cover with foil then bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
This works great with any firm fruit as they shrink in the cooking...hence the air pocket. Now don't forget to add a scoop of wonderful vanilla bean ice cream!
