Surprise Your Guests with Pipsa's Unique Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie

As the holiday season approaches, many families find comfort in traditions that bring them together around the dinner table. This year, consider adding an unexpected twist to your Christmas dessert with a delicious Le Gruyère AOP apple pie, curated by food creator Pipsa Hurmerinta.

Pipsa recommends preparing this luxurious dessert a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The apple pie, known for its delightful combination of sweet, juicy apples and the unique nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP, becomes not only a treat for the taste buds but also a conversation starter at your holiday gathering.

What makes Pipsa's recipe particularly intriguing is the inclusion of Le Gruyère AOP, a Swiss cheese with a rich history dating back to the 1100s. Its nutty flavor and perfect melting properties lend themselves to this dessert in a way that surprises and delights. "I like to keep the secret behind the good taste to myself and let the guests guess the secret ingredient. No one has guessed correctly so far, but this recipe might change that," Pipsa laughs.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (68 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

For the 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, rubbing together with your fingers until crumbly. Gradually add the cold water until the mixture is smooth and forms a ball, being careful not to over-knead.

  2. Shape the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

  3. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, spices, and potato starch.

  4. Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°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 pie dish and fill it with the apple mixture. Cover with the second disc, pinching the edges to seal.

  6. Cut a few small slits in the top crust for steam release, brush with egg, and sprinkle with sugar.

  7. Bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

  8. Allow to cool before serving. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.

Did You Know?

Le Gruyère AOP is known not only for its culinary versatility but also for its rich history and traditional production methods. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged for at least five months, it is devoid of holes due to the meticulous hard pressing during production. This results in a cheese that melts perfectly, making it ideal for a variety of recipes—from savory dishes like fondue to sweet surprises like this apple pie.

Add this delectable Le Gruyère AOP apple pie to your holiday traditions and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your family gatherings. Explore more recipes featuring Le Gruyère by checking out the available resources.

Related Sources:

• Source 1 • Source 2