Spiced Apple Pie

Peel and core the apples, then dice them.

Drizzle with lemon juice and rum or liqueur, and toss to combine.

Mix the sugar, starch, zest, and spices for the filling, add them to the apples, toss well, and let sit to absorb the aromas.

Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the flour, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.

Add the cream cheese and mix just until the dough starts to come together and no dry bits remain in the bowl, then stop the mixer and gather the dough into a ball by hand (you can also do everything by hand).

Divide the dough into two portions (slightly larger for the base and slightly smaller for the top), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour.

Roll out the larger portion on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, place it into the baking dish, and press it gently against the sides.

Add the filling along with its juices.

Roll out the second portion of dough, cut out small shapes with cookie cutters or slice into strips to form a lattice top over the filling.

Brush the pastry with milk or egg, and generously sprinkle with sugar.