A Family Tradition: Elevate Your Apple Pie with Le Gruyère AOP
As Christmas approaches, many families are preparing to gather around the dining table, cherishing traditions and creating new memories. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with a delightful twist on a classic dessert? Pipsa Hurmerinta, a renowned food creator, has shared her innovative recipe for an apple pie that features an unexpected ingredient: Le Gruyère AOP, a famous Swiss cheese.
Pipsa emphasizes the importance of preparing the pie a day ahead of serving. 'The apple pie is much easier to make than it looks. It turns out best if prepared the day before, as the apples need time to settle, and the crust is easier to cut when it isn’t hot from the oven,' she explains.
The unique combination of sweet, juicy apples and the nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP promises to create a memorable dessert that will become a conversation starter at the table. Pipsa loves keeping the secret of the remarkable flavor to herself, playfully challenging her guests to guess the secret ingredient. Although no one has correctly identified it so far, this recipe may very well change that.
'Le Gruyère AOP goes with everything,' she asserts, and indeed, this luxurious cheese can transform traditional baking. Here’s how to create your own Le Gruyère AOP apple pie:
Ingredients:
Pie Crust (for 6-8 servings):
- 3 dl all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 dl grated Le Gruyère AOP
- 80 g cold butter
- 3 tbsp cold water
Filling:
- 1.8 kg apples
- 2 dl granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp potato starch
- 1 lightly beaten egg for brushing
- 20 g butter for the pie dish
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for garnish
Instructions: 1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add the cold butter in pieces and rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough is smooth. Avoid over-kneading. 2. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. 3. Make the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Mix them with sugar, spices, and potato starch in a bowl. 4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F), and grease a 25 cm pie dish. 5. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one disk on a floured surface and press it into the pie dish. Fill it with the apple mixture. Roll out the second disk and place it on top, sealing the edges. 6. Prepare for Baking: Cut small slits in the dough to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with egg and sprinkle sugar on it. 7. Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. 8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the pie cool before serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Did You Know?
Le Gruyère AOP has its origins dating back to the 12th century, known for its rich, nutty flavor. It is made from unpasteurized cow's milk and is aged for a minimum of five months. Unlike many Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP has no holes, a characteristic resulting from the hard pressing during production. Its melting properties make it ideal not only for cheese platters but also for dishes like fondue, gratins, and even desserts like this exquisite apple pie.
Discover more delicious recipes that incorporate the unique flavor of Le Gruyère AOP and make this holiday season unforgettable!
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