Tailgate Apple Pies

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter and shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed. Divide dough in half; form each into a disk. Wrap separately in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour or until easy to handle.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples; cook and stir 5 minutes. Mix brown sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon; add to apples. Cook and stir until apples begin to soften and caramelize, 7-8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Cool completely.
• Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut 12 footballs with a floured 4-in. football-shaped cookie cutter.
• Transfer half of the footballs to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling onto center of each. Brush edges of pastry with egg. Top with remaining footballs; press edges with a fork to seal. Cut three slits in top of pastry and score a curved line on each end of the footballs. Brush tops with egg; sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. While pies are baking, repeat with remaining dough and filling.
• Let pies stand 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.