Cook dried apples in water until soft, about 1 hour

Add additional water, but not an excessive amount

Do not drain

Add sugar and cinnamon

Pour into prepared pie shell

Mix topping until crumbly and sprinkle over pie. *Note: Either sweet or sour apples may be used in drying

Sweet apples such as Red Delicious are used for sweet schnitz (dried apples), and the peel is left on to ensure a rich flavor

If a tart flavor is preferred, use late fall or early winter fully matured apples

Varieties recommended include old favorites such as Northern Spy, Spitzenberger, Winesap, and Baldwin

Dry a small amount of a variety and test by using it in one of your favorite recipes before drying large amounts of that variety.