Apple Maple Raisin Pie

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

CRUST 1. COMBINE flour and salt in medium bowl. Cut in shortening using pastry blender or two knives just until mixture forms pea-sized chunks. Sprinkle with water, one tablespoon at a time. Toss lightly with fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough into two equal parts. Press between hands to form two 5 to 6-inch "pancakes."

FLOUR "pancakes" lightly on both sides. Roll one "pancake" between sheets of waxed paper (or plastic wrap) on dampened countertop for bottom crust. Peel off top sheet of waxed paper. Trim 1" larger than upside-down 10 inch pie plate. Flip into pie plate. Remove other sheet. Trim edge even with pie plate. Moisten edge of pastry with water.

FILLING 1. TOSS apples and raisins in large bowl with syrup, flour, salt, cream, cinnamon and cardamom. Mound filling in pie shell.

ROLL top crust same as bottom using second "pancake" to 1/8-inch thick. Peel off top sheet of waxed paper. Flip onto filled pie. Remove other sheet of waxed paper. Trim 1/2 inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold top edge under bottom crust. Flute. Brush crust with milk. Cut slits in top crust for steam to escape.

BAKE 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cover pie loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, if necessary. Cool at least 1 hour before serving.