Surprising Holiday Delight: Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie Recipe
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to gathering around the dining table with our loved ones, embracing cherished traditions. This Christmas, why not surprise your guests with an unexpected twist on a classic dessert – an apple pie infused with the rich, nutty flavor of Le Gruyère AOP cheese? Food creator Pipsa Hurmerinta suggests preparing the pie a day in advance to ensure that the flavors meld beautifully and the crust is easier to slice.
"The apple pie is much easier to make than it looks! It tastes best when prepared a day ahead, allowing the apples to settle and making the crust easier to cut," Pipsa shares. With its perfect amalgamation of sweet, juicy apples and the unique flavor of Le Gruyère AOP, this pie is sure to become a conversation starter at your holiday gatherings.
But what piques curiosity is the secret ingredient – cheese. Pipsa enjoys letting her guests guess what makes her dessert so delicious, and so far, no one has identified it correctly. "The cheese, commonly used in savory dishes, surprisingly combines well with a dessert pie," she laughs. "Can you believe that cheese can elevate a sweet dish? Yes, Le Gruyère AOP pairs wonderfully with everything!"
Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie Recipe
This luxurious apple pie will undoubtedly become a part of your holiday traditions. With Pipsa's tips and the secret ingredient, your dessert will be the highlight of the meal.
Pie Crust Ingredients:
- 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 Ingredients:
- 18 kg apples
- 2 dl granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground clove
- 2 tbsp potato flour
- 1 beaten egg for brushing
- 20 g butter for greasing the pie dish
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for garnish
Instructions:
- Pie Crust: Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add butter in chunks and use your fingers to combine until it forms a crumbly dough. Gradually add cold water until the dough is smooth but avoid over-kneading.
- Shape the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Combine them in a bowl with sugar, spices, and potato flour.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 25 cm pie dish.
- 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. Place the second disc over the filling, crimping the edges to seal.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that Le Gruyère AOP is a Swiss cheese that dates back to the 12th century? It's known for its rich, nutty flavor, made from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged for at least five months to develop its unique character. Unlike many other Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP has no holes due to its hard pressing during production, making it melt perfectly. It’s not just for cheese platters and fondue; feel free to experiment with it in your desserts too!
Discover more delightful recipes with Le Gruyère AOP and elevate your culinary creations this festive season!
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