Apple And Pear Pie

Directions

1. 1
   For the pastry crust, sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in sugar and almonds. Rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2
   Add egg and enough water (about 2 tbsp) to form a firm, pliable dough. Knead lightly. Form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 mins.
3. 3
   For the filling, place apples, pears, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon and lemon peel in a large saucepan on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 4-5 mins until almost tender. Drain excess liquid. Cool.
4. 4
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 10-inch pie plate.
5. 5
   Roll out two-thirds of the pastry between 2 sheets of parchment paper to 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer to pie plate. Refrigerate for 15 mins. Trim edges. Prick bottom with a fork. Place pie plate on a baking pan. Bake for 10 mins. Cool. Spoon filling into pie crust..
6. 6
   Roll out remaining pastry until large enough to cover pie. Brush pie edges with egg white. Cover with pastry, trimming edge.
7. 7
   Brush top with egg white and sprinkle with 2 tsp sugar. Cut slits in pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for 10 mins.
8. 8
   Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.