Revolutionizing Desserts: The Surprising Use of Le Gruyère AOP in Apple Pie
For many, Christmas is a time for cherished traditions and gathering around the dining table with loved ones. This year, consider surprising your guests with a unique twist on a classic dessert: an apple pie infused with the rich, nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP cheese. Food creator Pipsa Hurmerinta recommends preparing this delectable pie a day in advance to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
"The apple pie is much easier to make than it looks. It turns out best if prepared a day in advance because the apples need some time to settle, and the crust is easier to cut when it’s not hot from the oven," Pipsa explains. This advice ensures that the pie not only tastes fantastic but also becomes a delightful topic of conversation.
Pipsa enjoys keeping the secret of her delicious apple pie under wraps, often letting her guests guess the unusual ingredient that makes it so special. "No one has managed to guess correctly so far, but this recipe might change that!" she adds with a laugh.
Indeed, the unexpected addition of cheese in dessert might seem curious, but as Pipsa assures, "Le Gruyère AOP goes with everything!" The cheese adds a depth of flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples.
Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie Recipe
Let this luxurious apple pie become part of your holiday traditions. With Pipsa’s tips and her secret ingredient, your dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pie Crust (Serves 68)
- 3 dl all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 dl grated Le Gruyère AOP
- 80 g refrigerator-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
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add the butter in pieces and crumble it together with your fingers until it forms a crumbly dough. Gradually add cold water until the dough is smooth and forms a ball; avoid excessive kneading.
- Shape the dough into two discs, 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 cornstarch.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 25 cm pie dish.
- 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 other rolled-out disc on top and pinch the edges together.
- Cut a few small slits in the top to release steam. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake the pie for approximately 45 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Did You Know?
Le Gruyère AOP is a renowned Swiss cheese with a rich history dating back to the 1100s. Made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged for at least five months, it develops a unique, nutty character. Unlike many other Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère has no holes due to the hard pressing during production. This cheese melts perfectly, making it an excellent choice not only for savory dishes like fondue but also as a surprising element in desserts.
Explore more creative recipes using Le Gruyère AOP to elevate your cooking this holiday season.
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