A Sweet Surprise: Apple Pie with a Twist Featuring Le Gruyère AOP
For many, Christmas is a cherished time filled with traditions and gathering around the dining table with loved ones. What better way to celebrate this season than by surprising your guests with an apple pie that not only tastes exquisite but also incorporates a surprising twist? Pipsa Hurmerinta, a food creator, suggests preparing your apple pie the day before serving to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
Pipsa emphasizes that making this pie is much easier than it appears. 'The apples need some time to settle, and the crust is easier to cut when it's not hot from the oven,' she explains, highlighting the benefits of a little pre-planning.
This delectable apple pie combines sweet, juicy apples with the unique nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP cheese. 'I like to keep the secret behind the good taste to myself and let the guests guess the secret ingredient,' Pipsa shares with a laugh. So far, no one has successfully guessed it, but this particular recipe just might change that.
You might wonder, 'Cheese in a dessert pie – is that really good?' Pipsa confidently answers, 'YES! Le Gruyère AOP goes with everything.'
Here’s how to make your own Le Gruyère AOP apple pie:
Ingredients:
Pie Dough (Serves 8) - 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 cornstarch - 1 lightly beaten egg (for brushing) - 20 g butter (for the pie dish) - 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions: 1. Pie Dough: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the butter in pieces, and rub it together with your fingers to create a crumbly mixture. Add the water gradually, mixing until the dough is smooth and forms a ball. Be careful not to knead too much. 2. Shape the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. 3. Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, combine the apples with sugar, spices, and cornstarch. 4. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 25 cm pie dish. 5. Roll out the discs on a floured surface to fit the pie dish. Press one disc into the dish and fill it with the apple mixture. Place the second rolled-out disc on top and pinch the edges of the dough together. 6. Cut a few small slits in the top dough to let steam escape, then brush it with egg and sprinkle with sugar. 7. Bake the apple pie for about 45 minutes. 8. Allow to cool before serving. Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Did you know that Le Gruyère AOP is a Swiss cheese with a rich history dating back to the 1100s? Known for its distinctive nutty flavor, it is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged for at least five months to develop its rich character. Unlike many other Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP is hole-free due to the hard pressing during production, making it ideal for melting in recipes, including this surprising dessert pie.
Let this luxurious apple pie become a part of your holiday traditions and a delightful conversation starter around your table. For more delectable recipes using Le Gruyère AOP, continue exploring the culinary magic this cheese has to offer.
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