Apple Walnut Pie

Directions

1. 1
   For the pie filling, place apples, 2 cups water, lemon juice, 2/3 cup sugar and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 3-5 mins or until apples are soft but not falling apart.
2. 2
   Drain apples in a sieve over a bowl. Mix cornstarch with 5 tbsp cold water in the medium saucepan until smooth. Stir 1 2/3 cups apple liquid into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring, for 1 min. Fold in cooked apples. Set aside for 2 hours to cool.
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. For the pie crust, grease and flour a 10 inch pie dish or springform pan. Mix together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, walnuts, pinch of salt, egg yolk and butter then quickly knead by hand.
4. 4
   Press 2/3 of the pastry into bottom of pie dish or springform pan, pushing up sides to form a 1 inch high edge. Sprinkle breadcrumbs in bottom of crust. Spoon apple mixture on top. Crumble remaining pastry on top of the apples.
5. 5
   Bake for 55-60 mins. Cover with foil 15 mins before end of baking time. Allow to cool. Serve with creme fraiche.