Creamy Apple 'N' Cherry Cobbler

Ingredients:
* Favorite pastry recipe for a double or single-crust pie, or 1/2 to 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts (1 or 2 crusts as desired)
* 1 1/4 cups sugar or light brown sugar, firmly packed, or the equivalent of 1 1/4 cups sugar in granulated sugar substitute
* 5 tablespoons flour
* 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg or to taste
* Pinch of salt
* 5 cups thinly sliced peeled tart cooking apples (about 2 pounds) ( Granny Smith, Rome Beauty, or other cooking variety), immediately sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent discoloration
* 1 cup coarsely chopped dried sweet dark (Bing) cherries or dried whole tart cherries or sweetened dried cranberries
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (see note)
* Additional half-and-half or light cream or milk for brushing top crust (optional)
* Additional sugar for sprinkling over crust (optional)
* Wedges of Cheddar or American or Monterey Jack cheese as accompaniments (optional)

Preparation:
Prepare pie crust recipe if using favorite recipe. If using a bottom crust, line a lightly greased deep-dish 2-quart casserole or souffle dish with one of the crusts; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine sugar or brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, and salt, mixing well.

Prepare apples. Arrange one-third of the apples and cherries in the prepared casserole or souffle dish; sprinkle one-third of sugar mixture over fruit. Repeat layers of fruit and sugar mixture twice more. Evenly pour 1 cup cream over apples.

Arrange top crust over apple mixture, folding edge under, sealing to baking dish or bottom crust, and then fluting edge similar to a pie. Cut several slashes in crust for steam vents. Brush crust lightly with half-and-half and sprinkle lightly with additional sugar, if desired. Bake in a preheated hot oven (400 degrees F.) for 45 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is thickened and bubbly hot. If crust starts to become too brown, may loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Serve warm, slightly cooled, or at room temperature. May accompany a wedge of Cheddar or American or Monterey Jack cheese with each serving.

Note: May omit 1 cup cream; use 1 cup milk or reduced-fat or skim milk. However, flavor will not be the same.

Variation: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons Apple Jack or other brandy to apple/cherry mixture.