**Part 1: Making the Perfect Pie Crust**

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.

2. Cut in the Fat: Add 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes, and 1/2 cup of cold shortening, also cut into cubes. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Cold Water: Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. The dough should start to come together but still be slightly shaggy. Don't add too much water!

4. Form the Disks: Divide the dough in half and gently form each half into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired. Repeat with the second disk for the top crust.

**Part 2: Crafting the Delicious Apple Filling**

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice 6-8 medium apples. I recommend using a combination of Granny Smith (for tartness) and Honeycrisp or Gala (for sweetness). Slice about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

4. Top with Crust: Place the second rolled-out crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden-brown crust, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water). You can also sprinkle the crust with granulated sugar.

**Part 3: Baking Your Apple Pie to Perfection**

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

3. Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.