Transform Your Holiday Dessert: Apple Pie with a Secret Twist
As the holiday season approaches, many families look forward to the cherished traditions that center around dining and sharing special dishes with loved ones. This year, why not surprise your guests with a unique twist on a classic dessert? Introducing the Le Gruyère AOP apple pie, a sensational combination of sweet, juicy apples and the rich, nutty flavor of Switzerland's famed cheese.
Pipsa Hurmerinta, a food creator renowned for her innovative recipes, shares her wisdom on preparing the perfect apple pie. Touted as much easier to make than it appears, Pipsa recommends preparing the pie a day in advance. The reason? 'The apples need a little time to settle, and the crust is easier to cut when it's not hot from the oven,' she explains. This way, not only will your dessert be picture-perfect, but you'll also have time to enjoy your holiday festivities.
But what makes this apple pie truly stand out? The secret ingredient: Le Gruyère AOP cheese. Pipsa delights in keeping the secret behind the pie's amazing flavor under wraps. 'I like to let the guests guess the secret ingredient. No one has managed to guess correctly so far, but this recipe might change that!' she laughs. Many people might wonder if cheese really belongs in dessert, but according to Pipsa, it absolutely does. 'YES, Le Gruyère AOP goes with everything!'
Here's how you can create this luxurious Le Gruyère AOP apple pie and make it a staple in your own holiday traditions:
Ingredients:
Pie Crust (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
- 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: Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and cheese) in a bowl. Add the cold butter in pieces and rub together until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until the dough is smooth and forms a ball (do not over-knead).
2. Shape the dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Prepare the filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, mix the apples with sugar, spices, and potato starch.
4. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Grease a 25 cm pie dish.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to the same size as the pie dish. Press one round into the dish and add the apple filling. Place the second rolled round on top and pinch the edges to seal.
6. Cut a few small slits in the top dough to release steam. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake the apple pie for about 45 minutes until golden.
8. Allow to cool before serving. For an extra touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Did you know that Le Gruyère AOP, with roots dating back to the 1100s, is a Swiss cheese made from unpasteurized cow’s milk? Known for its rich, nutty flavor, it’s an ideal addition to everything from cheese platters to delectable desserts. Make this festive season even more memorable with this delightful apple pie recipe, and create a new tradition that your family will cherish for years to come.
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