Down on Love (31 page)

“What?” she called back.

“Phone call for you. It’s Will.”

“Officer Billy?” She froze. “What does he want?”

“Something about a photo of the vandalized town sign on your new blog . . . ?”

Instead of picking up the extension in the office, she rounded the desk and flew out of the office, down the hall, and into the foyer. She barreled into Casey and wrapped her arms around him. He grinned and kissed her.

“Should we throw ourselves on the mercy of the court?” she whispered. “Or should I blackmail him with pictures of him in footie pajamas?”

“Recent ones?”

She rolled her eyes. “Gimme the phone.” Into the handset, she said, “Officer Billy!”

“Will.”

“Right. I hear your concerns. Let’s talk about them, neighbor to neighbor . . .”

George’s pies are made with the most amazing recipe that I learned in high school home ec. The class was taught by Sister of Mercy Sr. Mary Dismas. She ruled. How many other people do you know who could teach students how to bake, how to sew, and how to slaughter the New York State Regents exam in geometry, all with equal (fantastic) success? (Plus, when she was a missionary, she hung with cannibals. She always had great stories.) Anyway, I’ve been using this recipe for many, many years. It truly is the best.

 

C
RUST

F
ILLING

Fluff flour with a fork, then lightly scoop into the measuring cup (do not pack) until overflowing. Skim off the excess till the flour is level with the top edge of the measuring cup. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt together with a fork. Cut shortening into flour with a pastry cutter. Sprinkle on water a little bit at a time. Mix first with fork, then hands. Press into a ball. You might want to refrigerate it overnight, but you don’t have to. Cut ball approximately in half—the half used for the bottom crust should be slightly larger. Knead the half to roll out for the bottom a bit, adding a little flour if it’s too sticky. Roll the bottom crust and place in a pie tin.

Mix sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Pour about three-quarters of the mixture over the apple slices in a large bowl and mix to coat the apple slices. Arrange the filling evenly in the bottom crust and sprinkle the rest of the sugar and cinnamon mix on top. Place pats of butter on the filling. Knead and roll out the top crust and place it carefully over the apple mixture, crimp closed, and cut a vent. Bake at 425 degrees for almost an hour; check after 40 or 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.

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Copyright © 2013 by Jayne Denker

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ISBN: 978-1-6018-3085-2

 

First Electronic Edition: November 2013