Kittencal's Apple Pie With Crunchy Topping

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2: Place the pie pastry in 9-inch pie plate, then flute edges as desired.

Step 3: Place oven rack in lowest position in oven.

TO MAKE THE TOPPING

Step 4: In a bowl combine the flour with both sugars and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture forms moist coarse crumbs that hold together easily. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

TOMAKE THE APPLE FILLING

Step 5: Place sliced apples in a large bowl, sprinkle all over with lemon juice, then using your hands toss to coat.

Step 6: Mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl, sprinkle over the top of the apple slices and toss to coat.

Step 7: Spoon apple mixture into the pie shell, placing/mounding like a pyramid (higher in the center).

Step 8: Sprinkle the prepared topping mixture evenly over top of apples to form a top crust.

Step 9: Place pie plate onto a large baking sheet (to prevent any spills).

Step 10: Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees, then bake 45 minutes longer or until the apples are JUST fork-tender when tested with a fork inserted into the pie and topping is golden brown (the apples will continue cooking after removed from the oven so do not bake until the apples are mushy and soft).

Step 11: (If the topping browns too rapidly place a piece of foil loosely over the pie).

Step 12: Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Step 13: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, YUM!