Wassail Spiced Apple Pie

I have been mildly obsessed with Wassail lately.  I found a Wassail drink mix at the Gourmet Chef the other day, and since then have been stirring it into hot apple cider.  Since I have been enjoying this so much, I thought it would be fun to try using the mix in an apple pie.  This pie is mildly spiced and contains a nice amount of moisture (or goo for lack of a better word) thanks to the added cider.  If you don't have or can't find wassail drink mix, just use apple pie spice or cinnamon and nutmeg.

Wassail Spiced Apple Pie

9-inch double layer pie crust (like this one, or this one)
5 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
5 medium gala apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/3 cup apple cider
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
3 - 4 Tablespoons wassail drink mix powder (or use 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Line a baking sheet with tin foil and place in the oven.  Preheat the oven to 500F. 

In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, lemon juice, and apple cider.  In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, wassail drink mix, and salt.  Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.

Roll out the top crust and fit it in the pie plate.  Arrange the apples in the prepared pie crust.  Roll out the top crust and lay it over the apples.  Seal and crimp the edges of the pie crust, then cut 4 to 6 holes or slits to vent the steam.

Place the pie in the oven on top of the heated baking sheet and immediately lower the oven temperature to 425F.  Bake the pie for 25 minutes, then cover the top of the pie loosely with tin foil and reduce the oven temperature to 375F.  Bake for an additional 45 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly.  Remove the pie from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.  Makes 8 to 12 servings.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy