Some time ago, I came upon a copy of a wonderful book by an old Vermonter named Vrest Orton. The book (which I presume is long out of print) is called The American Cider Book. It contains many wonders, including at least one recipe for dried apple pie. I’ve made some tweaks to it, so what you’re getting here is my version of the traditional Vermont item.
Preheat your oven (the impoverished student ALWAYS preheats the oven!) to a good pie-baking temperature. I think I usually use 350. Bake the pie shell until it’s about done. (This is a slightly unusual pie, as you’ll see, and it isn’t going to be in the oven long enough for the crust to cook later, so cook it now.)
While the crust is cooking, put the apples into a coverable saucepan with the dry cider. Cook them, uncovered, a few minutes, until they begin to fluff up. If you want to fancify this up, you can add some dried cherries (I’d use sour ones, but it’s up to you), dried cranberries, or even raisins. It doesn’t need them, mind you, but I don’t think they’d hurt it.
Add the cinnamon and nutmeg and maple syrup. Stir, cover, and cook 5 or 10 more minutes, until the liquid is just about completely absorbed. Watch the heat, or stir frequently to prevent it from burning. If the liquid fails to disappear, drain the apples before you pour them into the pie shell. You may also be able to reduce the liquid and pour it over the apples in the shell.
I encourage you, when you’ve poured about half the apples into the crust, to place a liberal and pleasant number of fresh pecans atop them before you finish the pour. This provides a delicate and refreshing (etc.). Basically, if you want it a little bit richer, add pecans or maybe walnuts.
Make a lattice over the top with the extra crust; bake until the
lattice is done. That’s about it. I have served this pie to quite a
few people, and they all pronounced it to be just fine, thank you.