Transform Your Holidays with Pipsa's Exquisite Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie
As the holiday season approaches, many families cherish the traditions and joyful gatherings that come with it. What better way to enhance these cherished moments than by serving a delightful dessert that surprises everyone? Pipsa Hurmerinta, a seasoned food creator, shares her secret recipe for an apple pie that features a unique and unexpected ingredient: Le Gruyère AOP cheese.
Pipsa believes that preparing the pie a day in advance significantly enhances its flavor and texture. "The apple pie is much easier to make than it looks. It is best when prepared the day before because 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 apple pie combines the sweetness of juicy apples with the nutty richness of Le Gruyère AOP cheese, resulting in a dessert that is sure to become a highlight at your holiday table. Pipsa loves to keep the secret ingredient under wraps, sparking curiosity among her guests. "No one has managed to guess correctly so far, but this recipe might change that," she laughs.
The Recipe for Le Gruyère AOP Apple Pie:
Pie Dough (Serves 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 cornstarch
- 1 lightly beaten egg for brushing
- 20 g butter for greasing the pie dish
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Dough: In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add the cold butter in pieces and crumble it with your fingers until it resembles a crumbly dough. Gradually add cold water until the dough is smooth and can form a ball without over-kneading.
2. Shape the dough into two disks, wrap them 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 cornstarch.
4. Preheat the oven to 190°C and grease a 25 cm pie dish.
5. Roll out the dough disks on a floured surface until they are large enough for the pie dish. Press one disk into the dish and fill with the apple mixture. Cover with the second disk, crimp the edges together, and cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake the pie for about 45 minutes.
8. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Did You Know?
Le Gruyère AOP is a Swiss cheese with a rich history, dating back to the 1100s. Known for its unique nutty flavor, it is made from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged for a minimum of five months, enhancing its distinct character. A fun fact is that Le Gruyère AOP has no holes, a result of the hard pressing during its production. Not only is it perfect for cheese platters and baked dishes, but it's also surprisingly delightful in desserts.
If you want to make this holiday season special, consider adding Pipsa's Le Gruyère AOP apple pie to your holiday traditions. With her expert tips, this indulgent dessert will surely generate delightful conversation and happy faces around your dining table.
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