A Twist on Tradition: Discovering the Unique Flavor of Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie

For many, Christmas is synonymous with cherished traditions and special gatherings around the dinner table. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with an unexpected delight: an apple pie infused with the unique flavor of Le Gruyère AOP? Pipsa Hurmerinta, a talented food creator, shares her recipe that promises to elevate your holiday desserts to new heights.

Pipsa emphasizes the importance of preparation in her recipe. "To achieve the perfect consistency and flavor, I recommend preparing the pie the day before you plan to serve it," she notes. This makes the process simpler and enhances the pie's overall taste. The apples need time to settle, and the crust becomes easier to slice once cooled, she explains.

This recipe may seem unconventional, but the combination of sweet, juicy apples with the nutty notes of Le Gruyère AOP is nothing short of spectacular. Pipsa keeps her secret ingredient well-guarded, enjoying the puzzled expressions on her guests' faces as they try to guess what makes her pie so delicious. "No one has guessed correctly yet, but this recipe might change that!" she laughs.

If you're ready to make this luxurious apple pie a part of your holiday traditions, here's Pipsa's foolproof recipe:

Ingredients Pie Crust - 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 glazing
- 20 g butter for greasing the pie dish
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for garnish

Instructions 1. Pie Crust: In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Rub the cold butter in until crumbly, then gradually work in the cold water until a smooth dough forms. Avoid over-kneading. 2. Shape the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. 3. Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, mix the apple slices with sugar, spices, and potato starch. 4. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 25 cm pie dish. 5. Roll out the dough discs on a floured surface to fit the pie dish. Press one disc into the dish and fill it with the apple mixture. Cover with the second disc and seal the edges. 6. Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. 7. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. 8. Allow to cool before serving, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Did you know?
Le Gruyère AOP is a revered Swiss cheese with origins dating back to the 1100s. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, it is crafted from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged a minimum of five months to achieve its distinctive character. Unlike many Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP has no holes due to the hard pressing process during production, which ensures it melts beautifully. Perfect for cheese boards, fondues, gratins, or even desserts, this cheese truly pairs well with everything, as Pipsa enthusiastically claims.

Why not make this holiday season memorable by incorporating this delightful apple pie into your family traditions? With Pipsa's guidance and the secret ingredient of Le Gruyère AOP, you are sure to create a dessert that sparks conversation and brings joy to your festive gatherings.

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