Peel and core apples and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Dice fennel. Toast and peel hazelnuts. Cut butter into 1/2-inch pieces.

Combine apples, fennel, lemon juice, honey, cider, sambuca, nutmeg, allspice and salt in a bowl; toss gently to combine. Cover and set aside.

Topping: Combine sugar, nuts, flour and salt in a processor. Pulse until nuts are finely ground. Add shortening and butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing briefly after each addition. Continue adding water until mixture holds together when pinched between your fingers. Do not overmix or the dough will be tough. Pat into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spoon the apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 9 x 13-inch rectangle; gently lay the dough over the fruit, tucking in the edges. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and, using a spoon or spatula, break crust into 3- or 4-inch irregular squares. Press pieces into the apples, "dowdying" the appearance of the dish. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes, until well browned. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.