Process 1-1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses.

Add butter and shortening and process until dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour).

Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade. Add remaining 1 cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl.

Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks together. Divide dough into two even balls and flatten each into 4-inch disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

Apple Filling:

Peel and core apples. Slice into approx. 1/4 inch slices. Make sure to cut all the same size so they cook evenly.

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook, stirring for about 10-15 minutes until apples have slightly softened but not lost their shape.

Mix a little water into 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch to make a slurry. Add cornstarch slurry little by little and cook until you get the consistency you want.

Set aside and let cool at room temperature.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

Roll each disc out to a 12 inch circle.

Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Try a use a cutter no less than 3 inches wide. You may want to use a smaller size on the bottom and a slightly bigger size on the top. Put a little water along the edge before sealing the top and bottom together.

Baking:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Brush each tart with a mixture of an egg with a little milk. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until slightly browned.

Cool before eating. Filling is hot.