Paula Red Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

 

Paula Red Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

Ingredients:

• For the Cheddar Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 4-6 tbsp ice water

• For the Paula Red Filling:

• 6 cups Paula Red apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: Food process flour, salt, and sugar. Pulse in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in the grated cheddar. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until dough holds together. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. Prepare filling: Toss sliced Paula Red apples (see the texture in Image 1) with both sugars, cornstarch, spices, and lemon juice.

4. Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with the apple mixture.

5. Roll out the second disc and cut into strips for a lattice top, or leave whole and cut vents. Place over filling and crimp edges.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden (note the cheese flecks in Image 1) and the filling is bubbling. Cool before slicing.