This pie offers a perfect blend of apples and raisins. You can add the sweet icing, which is a surprising and delightful touch—or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a blisteringly hot, Southern summer day.

　　

Ingredients

makes one 9-inch pie

　　1 recipe Plain Pie Pastry (page 17) or Vinegar Pie Crust (page 19)

　　

Raisin filling

2/3 cup raisins

　　6 tablespoons water

　　1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

　　1/4 cup light corn syrup

　　1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

　　1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

　　2 apples (preferably a tart variety)

　　1/4 cup brown sugar

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

　　1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

　　

Icing

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

　　2 tablespoons water

　　1 tablespoon butter, softened

　　

Step 1

To make the raisin filling, combine the raisins, water, and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until the raisins are plump, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Separately, combine the corn syrup, flour, and sugar and mix well, then add to the raisins and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool until the mixture is just warm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 rolled-out crust.

　　

Step 4

Peel the apples, cut them into thin wedges, and put them in a large bowl. Separately, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, then add to the apples and gently stir until evenly mixed.

　　

Step 5

Spread the apple mixture in the crust in an even layer, then spread the raisin filling evenly over the apples. Brush the rim of the crust with water, cover with the second rolled-out crust, seal and flute or crimp the edges, and cut a steam vent in the center.

　　

Step 6

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours, until completely cool.

　　

Step 7

To make the icing, combine the sugar and water and mix well. Add the butter and mix until smooth. Brush over the top of the cooled pie before serving.

　　Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies