Best Apple Pie

In a large heatproof bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar (use 1 cup if your apples are very tart), salt, vinegar, and spices. Let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, for at least 3 hours, or refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours.

Stir flour into apple mixture, then set a colander over another bowl and drain, reserving liquid. Transfer liquid to a small saucepan; return apples to bowl. Bring liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until thickened to the consistency of loose pudding, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir back into apple mixture.

Preheat oven to 400°F, with a rack in bottom third. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough 1/8 inch thick (about 13 inches in diameter). Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture; dot with butter. Roll out second disk 1/8 inch thick; drape over filling. Trim overhang to 1 inch. Pinch to seal, folding edges under; crimp as desired. Cut five 2-to-3-inch vents in top crust. Brush with beaten egg. If you want a sparkly finish with a bit of crunch, sprinkle with sanding sugar. Refrigerate 15 minutes (to help the crust hold its shape in the oven).

Bake 20 minutes (the high temperature jump-starts the process), then reduce temperature to 375°F (so the crust doesn't get tough) and bake until golden brown all over and bubbling in center, 50 to 60 minutes more. (If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil.) Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, at least 6 hours.