Caramelized Apple and Pear Pie

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Mix applejack brandy, dried currants, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract in large bowl. Let mixture stand 15 minutes.

   Step 2

   Cook 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat until pale golden, about 3 minutes. Add apple wedges, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Sauté until apple wedges are crisp-tender, about 12 minutes. Add apple mixture, pear wedges and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to currant mixture; toss to coat.

   Step 3

   Mix golden brown sugar, corn syrup, whipping cream and remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in heavy small saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat until slightly thickened, stirring until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped walnuts. Add to fruit mixture. Toss to coat.

   Step 4

   Transfer warm filling to prepared crust. Bake 30 minutes. Tent pie with foil. Bake pie until apples and pears are tender and liquid bubbles thickly, about 45 minutes longer.

   Step 5

   Cool pie on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream.