Description:

A step up from the old traditional apple pie.

Source:

Prickly Pear

Serves/Makes:1 9 or 10" pie

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 ml) sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml) nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp (1 ml) mace
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) super rich butter powder (buy from Baker's Catalog/optional)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) flour
• 2/3 cup (150 ml) grated cheddar cheese (or a combination of Cheddar/Jack cheeses)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) brandy
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) to 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter
• 6 apples, peeled and sliced (I prefer Jonagold apples)
• Dough for 2-crust pie
• milk, for brushing pie top
• cinnamon, as desired
• sugar, as desired

Preparation

• Line pie pan with one crust.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees (200 C.).
• Mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, flour, cheese(s), butter powder and chopped walnuts, if used, well; set aside.
• Toss peeled and sliced apples in the above mixture.
• Drizzle 2 tbsp (30 ml) brandy over all and toss lightly once again.
• Arrange in bottom crust.
• Dot with 3 tbsp (45 ml) to 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter cut into small bits.
• Place on top crust, cut holes to vent.
• Brush top with milk, and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Cover loosely with foil (to prevent over-browning of top).
• Bake an additional 30 minutes or until apples are tender.
• Cool on rack.

Comments

This is my personal twist on the traditional apple pie--hope you enjoy it! This recipe can also be made with fresh pears. Subsitute Cheddar with ALL Jack cheese and use Amaretto instead of brandy; replacing walnuts with SLICED almonds. My husband thinks the "pear" version of this recipe is, "Wonderful!"