Vegan all-fruit version: use the same volume of boiled cider as brown sugar. Skip sugar and butter. No food processor? Shred or grate the apple and just mix the raisins with boiled cider. I keep this in a big bowl in the fridge for a few days to let the raisins absorb the cider and brandy. Then I pack it up into one-pie portions into freezer bags. My mother always added more chopped apple just before baking. It really freshens up the taste. These pies keep 4-5 days on a cold porch.

• Reply