Elevate Your Festive Celebrations with Pipsa Hurmerinta's Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie
As the holiday season approaches, traditions take center stage, bringing families and friends together around the dining table. What could be a more delightful surprise than a classic apple pie infused with a twist that leaves everyone talking? Renowned food creator Pipsa Hurmerinta has shared her secret for a luscious apple pie that not only boasts the delightful sweetness of juicy apples but also incorporates the unique nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP cheese.
According to Pipsa, the key to the perfect apple pie lies in its preparation. She advises making the pie a day in advance. "The apple pie is much easier to make than it looks. The apples need some time to settle, and the crust is easier to cut when it isn't warm from the oven," she explains. This small prep tip opens the door to a pie that looks and tastes divine at the moment of serving.
Pipsa joyfully confesses that she keeps the secret ingredient of her apple pie under wraps, allowing guests to guess what makes it so special. “No one has successfully guessed right so far, but I’m sure this recipe might change that,” she laughs. The unexpected inclusion of Le Gruyère AOP cheese may raise a few eyebrows; however, she assures, "Cheese in dessert pie? Yes, it’s delicious! Le Gruyère AOP goes with everything!"
Let this luxurious apple pie become a new staple in your holiday gatherings. Here’s how to make Pipsa’s delectable Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie that is sure to impress.
Ingredients Ingredients:
Pie Dough (serves 6-8) - 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 (about 4-5 medium 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 greasing the pie pan) - 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Make the Pie Dough: In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add the pieces of cold butter and rub with your fingers until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the mixture forms a ball; avoid over-kneading.
- Shape the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, mix the apples with sugar, spices, and potato starch until evenly coated.
- Preheat the Oven: To 190°C (375°F) and grease a 25 cm pie pan with butter.
- Roll out both dough disks on a floured surface to fit the pie pan. Place one disk in the pan, fill with the apple mixture, and cover with the second disk. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Cut small slits into the top crust for steam escape, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: In the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool before serving and enjoy it best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fun Fact: Le Gruyère AOP is a Swiss cheese with a storied lineage dating back to the 1100s. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged for a minimum of five months, it features a rich and nutty character, making it perfect for various culinary creations—from cheese platters to fondue, casseroles, and even desserts! If you're intrigued by Pipsa's use of Le Gruyère AOP in baking, you can explore more recipes featuring this unique cheese.
This holiday season, bring a touch of culinary creativity to your festive table with Pipsa Hurmerinta's delightful Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie. Your guests will savor not just the flavors but the lovely shared memories around the table!
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