Butter crust on the bottom and on the top, crimped the way my grandmother did it because it is the only way I know. The filling is real apples — never a can — tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon so it tastes like fruit instead of syrup.

Serving it

Eight slices in a nine-inch pan that travels well. Pies are the one thing I ask you to plan ahead for: a week's notice is kind, and longer is even kinder around the holidays.