Berry-Apple Mincemeat Pie

The word "mincemeat" has come to mean this type of finely minced, spiced dried-fruit filling, but old-style recipes actually had minced beef and suet, and sometimes lamb! Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Hands-on time: 40 minutes.

Ingredients: 2 large Crispin (Mutsu) or Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries 1 cup chopped dried apples (about 3 ounces) 3/4 cup chopped dried cherries (about 4 ounces) 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup brandy 3 tablespoons honey 1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon butter  Cream Cheese Dough  Close[x] Cream Cheese Dough Cream cheese makes a crust that is extremely sturdy, which is useful if you're making a lattice top. Total time: 40 minutes. Hands-on time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 ounces very cold cream cheese, cut into bits 10 tablespoons very cold butter, cut into bits 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water 1. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, Parmesan, baking powder and salt. Add the cream cheese and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the butter and pulse until just barely incorporated. 2. Add 2 tablespoons of the water and pulse until the dough forms a rough mass on the blades. If needed, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Form into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. Makes two 9-inch crusts Each one-eighth of a pie has: 302 calories, 21 g fat (13 g saturated), 6 g protein, 24 g carbohydrates (1.6 g fiber), 57 mg cholesterol, 190 mg sodium. Good source of: selenium. Close[x]

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh apples, raspberries, dried apples, dried cherries, water, brandy, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, pepper and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer, stirring, until the liquid has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the butter and set aside to cool to room temperature. 2. Meanwhile, make the Cream Cheese Dough and refrigerate. 3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to a 12-inch round. Fit into a 9-inch pie pan, leaving the overhang. Roll out the second disk of dough to 12 inches. Cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips. 4. Scrape the mincemeat into the bottom crust. Trim the bottom crust overhang to 1/2 inch and fold under. Use the dough strips to make a basket weave lattice top. Trim any overhanging dough strips to come to the edge of the rim. Press the ends onto the bottom crust. 5. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Makes 10 servings Each serving has: 375 calories, 18 g fat (11 g saturated), 6 g protein, 45 g carbohydrates (4.5 g fiber), 48 mg cholesterol, 215 mg sodium. Good source of: selenium.