Sunday, September 2, 2012

Maple, Apple and Cheddar Pie






From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...While we are not entertaining this weekend, I was asked to bring dessert to a couple of the parties we will be attending. I'm happy to oblige because it gives me an opportunity to test a few  recipes I've been wanting to try. I'm quite an adventurous eater and have a reputation for eating anything that does not bite back. There are, however, certain food pairings that have managed to escape my ravenous pursuit of dishes that might provide the one perfect bite to which my blog is dedicated. While I've seen apple pie served with cheddar cheese, it never struck me as being a particularly Lucullean combination, so I simply never tried it. I did, however, become more curious when I saw this recipe in several publications owned by Meredith Corporation. Their version of the pie combines  apples and cheese and uses both to make a sweet, yet savory, filling for the pastry shell.  I knew that sooner or later their pie would grace my table. Today was the day. Despite the chopping that is involved, the pie is easy to make and its savory goodness makes it a delightfully different dessert. The apples and the cheese blend nicely together and their flavor is enhanced by the judicious use of maple syrup. If you are in a rush, use a commercial pie crust, but do not stint on the type or quality of cheese that you use. This pie surprised me and I must admit I liked it a lot. It will never replace our standard apple pie, but this was really nice for a change and it was well received. I do hope you'll give this recipe a try. Here's how the pie is made.

Maple, Apple and Cheddar Pie...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Meredith Corporation

Ingredients:
Pastry for a Double-Crust Pie (see below)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (such as Jonathan or Macintosh) (5 medium)
1-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon whipping cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare pastry for a double-crust pie as directed below. On a lightly floured surface, slightly flatten one portion of dough. Roll dough from center to edge into a 12-inch circle. Wrap pastry circle around rolling pin; unroll into a 9-inch pie pan or plate. Ease pastry into pie pan without stretching it; set aside.
2) For filling, stir sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl. Add apples and toss gently to coat. Add cheese and the 1/4 cup maple syrup; toss gently to combine. Transfer filling to pastry-lined pie pan. Drizzle with cream.
3) Trim pastry even with edge of pie pan. Roll remaining dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut slits in pastry to allow steam to escape. Place pastry circle on filling; trim pastry to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pie pan. Fold top pastry edge under bottom pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Cover edge of pie with foil to prevent overbrowning.
4) Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Bake about 20 minutes more or until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack. Brush with the 2 tablespoons maple syrup. If desired, sprinkle with pecans. Cool for 1 hour. Serve slightly warm. Makes 8 servings.

 Pastry for a Double-Crust Pie

Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, cut up, or shortening
1/2 - 2/3 cup ice water

Directions:
Stir flour and salt together in a large bowlt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the ice water over part of the flour mixture; toss gently with a fork. Push moistened pastry to the side of the bowl. Repeat moistening flour mixture, using 1 tablespoon of the ice water at a time, until all of the flour mixture is moistened. Gather flour mixture into a ball, kneading gently until it holds together. Divide pastry in half; form halves into balls.






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22 comments :

Katarina said...

This sounds interesting! Have a great Sunday!

Coleens Recipes said...

Fantastic looking pie!! I've never used cheese in my apple pie recipe, this is VERY interesting.

Merisi in Vienna said...

Your recipe sounds so tempting, I am seriously contemplating of baking this pie for Thanksgiving. Maple syrup and cheddar cheese in apple pie, simply irresistible!

Wishing you a wonderful Labour Day weekend,
Merisi

Alicia Foodycat said...

I love apple and cheese together, but I've never mixed the cheese in with the filling! What a great idea!

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

Yes, my dad always said: "Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze." I'm sure he would have gone for the pie, especially with the addition of maple syrup. You have a wonderful knack for finding new twists on old faves, Mary.

SImple and Serene Living said...

My late father loved apple pie with cheddar cheese, Mary. He would have loved this.

Nammi said...

delicious looking pie
Mary, I never thought of pairing apple and chedder. must give this a try :) have a nice day!

Ana Regalado said...

The combination of apple and cheddar sounds delicious ! This pie looks like a winner to me ! :D

Sue/the view from great island said...

I love apples and cheddar together on a cheese plate, so why not in a pie! Very interesting recipe, thanks!

AllThingsYummy said...

Yum, I love apples and cheddar together. Such a great flavor combination.

Eileen said...

I often eat cheese and apples together, but I've never heard of pie that includes both. It sounds very interesting, I must admit. I'm intrigued. :)

Kim said...

I've always been curious about the combination of apple and cheddar. I'd love to give this a try!

June said...

Apple pie with a chunk of very old cheddar was a family tradition where I grew up and my Uncle Lou supplied the maple syrup from his own trees. I love the idea of combining them all together in the pie and can't wait to give it a try.

Chiara said...

This combination of apple and cheddar sounds delicious Mary! Have a good week, blessings...

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

Somehow cheddar and apple pie has eluded me for some time. I have a pile of various recipes to try with those very ingredients. Glad it turned out tasty - because it is absolutely beautiful. Love me some pie!

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, Apples and cheese are a perfect match. I bet that pie was delicious. Have a wonderful evening dear. blessings, Catherine xo

Rambling Tart said...

Wowsers!! I've made apple pie with cheese before but not with maple syrup. SO delish :-)

Joanne said...

I've been wanting to try cheddar in apple pie! I love this combination of flavors.

Salsa Verde said...

I would never think of combining cheddar cheese in a sweet pie and I'm very curious about it...
Cheers,
Lia.

tender b. said...

I've heard apple and cheddar make a great combo but haven't ever tried it. I love that you paired it in a pie.

Balvinder said...

I have never made anything sweet using cheddar. This one looks so tempting.

Jenn @ You know... that Blog? said...

Oh myyyy - I will be making this for Thanksgiving this year! I'm salivating already!

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