Page 66 - United States of Pie

Cheddar-Crusted Apple Pie

Many New Englanders believe that the only way to eat apple pie is
with a thick slice of cheddar cheese, either melted right on top or
served on the side. They’ll swear to you that it is the ultimate salty-
sweet combination, a combination gaining ever more currency in the
dessert world (just look at the rage for salted caramels). Well, New

Englanders are right—apple pie is delicious with cheddar cheese.
But rather than dictate how your guests should eat their pie, you can
pull a sneak attack and mix the cheddar right into the crust. I once
served this pie as the culmination to a fall meal, and after taking his
first bite, one of the guests exclaimed, “The crust is like the best
cheese cracker ever!” I took that as a compliment.

For the crust
2 cups all-purpose flour

1 /3 cup finely ground cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt