Prepare Rich Pie Pastry.

For fruit filling: Pour boiling water over dried fruit. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In a very large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour, lemon peel, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in drained fruit and apples; set aside.

On lightly floured surface, roll 1 dough disk from center to edges into 12-inch circle. To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin; unroll into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate being careful not to stretch pastry. Transfer fruit filling to the pastry-lined pie plate. Trim pastry to edge of pie plate. Brush edge with a little water.

Roll remaining dough disk into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Cut slits to allow steam to escape. Place remaining pastry on filling; trim 1/2 inch beyond edge of plate. Fold top pastry under bottom pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Brush with half-and-half, light cream, or milk. Sprinkle with some sugar. To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of pie with foil. Place pie on a cookie sheet to catch any drips.

Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 35 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes more or until top is golden and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 8 servings.

In a large bowl, stir together 2-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and the 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 1/3 cup cold butter and 1/3 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon cold water at a time (total 7 to 8 tablespoons cold water), until all the dough is moistened. Divide in half. Using your fingers, gently knead the dough just until a ball forms. Use your hands to flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch disk. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Continue as directed in step 3.

Prepare pie; cool. Let stand at room temperature up to 8 hours before serving.

If you like, omit the Rich Pie Pastry and use one 15-ounce package rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust (2 crusts). Ease 1 piecrust into pie plate being careful not to stretch pastry.Transfer fruit filling to the pastry-lined pie plate. Brush edge with a little water. Add second pastry and continue as above.