Author Notes
In this recipe I started with some amazing Clarkesdale Macintosh apples, which I got at my local farmer's market in North Amherst. With these I have decided to use as many local regional ingredients as possible. Since I live close, even adjacent, to every New England state (except Maine), a New England theme seems to make good regional sense. Instead of following a sweet direction, I decided to go savory with this recipe. I found a great cheese from New Hampshire, the Landaff, similar to a Lancashire. The pumpkin ale comes from Connecticut and the corn flour from Rhode Island. The other flour hails from Vermont. My maple syrup was a gift from neighbors. My herbs stem from my garden. This pie rustically celebrates the bounty of New England in the fall. —Sagegreen
Ingredients
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shortcrust pastry made with 1 tbl. pureed pumpkin, 2 tbl. of grated Landaff cheese, 1 tbl. of cider vinegar, 1 tbl. of buttermilk powder, and 1 tbl of corn meal (can adapt crust recipe given for my peach pie)
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1 ounce
unsalted butter
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1
small cippolino onion, peeled and sliced
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3 tablespoons
flour
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1 teaspoon
kosher salt
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3 tablespoons
light brown sugar
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2
fresh sage leaves, minced
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1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon
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1 teaspoon
fresh thyme leaves, no stems
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6-8
Large crisp Macintosh apples, peeled and sliced (Clarkesdales are great)
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5 tablespoons
New England pure maple syrup
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healthy splash of ale, preferably pumpkin (no more than 1/2 cup)
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3 ounces
premium whole dried cranberries or fresh, cooked and sweetened
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1
piece of applewood smoked natural bacon, cooked and diced
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7 ounces
Landaff cheese, or one similar, crumpled (use a little grated in the crust)
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grapeseed oil for brushing
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egg yolk, beaten
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1 tablespoon
milk, optional
Directions
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Make a shortcrust pastry in which you add a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin and cornmeal to the mix. The recipe listed for my peach pie is what I adapted for this, if you need one. Do add the vinegar and buttermilk powder suggested. Line a pie plate with the bottom rolled out crust @1/4-1/3" thick.
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Dredge the sliced apples in the flour seasoned with the spices, salt, sugar, and herbs.
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In a saute pan melt the butter. Add the onions. Add the seasoned apples and cranberries. Immediately stir in the maple syrup and ale. Cook for 3-6 minutes just until the apples begin to soften. Remove from heat.
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Brush the bottom of your well chilled pie crust lightly with oil. Add the apple mixture, diced bacon, and crumbled cheese to the lined pie plate.
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Slice the 1/4 " thick rolled top crust into lengths to weave a lattice for the top. Once completed, brush the woven top crust with an egg yolk (thinned with milk if you like, or just plain yolk).
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Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool and serve warm.
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