Caramel Apple Pie

For the pie dough:
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
10 tbsp butter, cut into cubes + 1/4 cup melted butter for top
of pie
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup vodka (helps make the crust flaky!)
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp sugar for top of pie
For the apple filling:
5 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into thin
slices
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp apple sauce
For the caramel filling*
1 cups brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-1/2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD:

1.Add 2 cups of flour, salt, sand sugar to a food processor and
pulse to combine.
2.Add cubes of butter and shortening and pulse until combined,
about 1-2 minutes.
3.Add the remaining flour and process until it’s all combined –
but don’t mess with it too much or the dough will become
tougher.
4.Move dough to a large bowl and add the water and vodka. Knead
it gently until it’s combined. The dough will be moist but you
can add a bit of flour to help hold it together. Split it into 2
evenly-sized disks and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least
2 hours (can be made up to 3 days in advance).
5.Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
6.In a large bowl combine the apples, lemon juice, and salt;
toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature for about 30
minutes. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, apple sauce, and nutmeg
and toss to coat.
7.For the caramel sauce, add the brown sugar and cream to a pot
over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and allow
the mixture boil, untouched, until it reaches 210 degrees.
8.Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Allow to cool
to room temperature.
9. Roll out one pie dough disk to fit your greased pie pan with a little bit of overhang. Pat the dough into the pan and pour the
caramel on the bottom with the apple mixture on top.
10.Roll out the remaining pie dough circle and either lay over
the apples or cut out shapes to cover. Use melted butter to
adhere the dough on top and brush the entire thing with melted
butter and sprinkle with sugar.
11.Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.