This is a pie made in Southern, Wis., by a company called the Elegant Farmer. It's owned by Dan and Karen, and she found the recipe in Texas. They've been making them for about 20 years, selling them at their general store and bakery near their farm where they have pick-your-own-apples and pumpkins. They also sell all over the country, including Texas, so the pie has gone full circle. The apples they use in their pies come from Michigan and the crust is not your typical pie dough — it's sort of cookie-like but has lard in it (except the version they make for Whole Foods, which uses vegetable shortening). The brown paper bag helps cook the apples long enough without over baking and over browning the crust, plus they stay juicy. Once the apples are cooked, a circle is cut out of the bag on top to let the crust brown for a few minutes and get crisp. It's then sold right in the grease stained brown paper bag!
03Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
04Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together. Transfer to the pie shell and dot with the butter. Brush the overhanging edges of the dough with water. Carefully cover with the rolled-out top crust and pinch the edges together, turning them under all around to make a thick edge. To decorate the rim, press it all around with the back of a fork, or just pinch it to seal. With a scissors, cut a few V-vents in the center.
05Slide the pie into the brown paper bag and fold the top down. Staple bag shut and place it on a sheet pan. Bake for 1 hour.
06Remove the pie from the oven and cut a large circle in top of the bag. Return to the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 15 minutes more.
07Let the pie cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.