feeling american?

WARNING: i am NOT trying to toot my own horn by any means whatsoever, but when i discover something wonderful i feel that it is my duty to share it! :) last night i was craving apple pie and came across this recipe, so i gave it a shot and it was DELISH! HIGHLY recommend it! especially if you're into warm-appley-goodness and crunchy (p.s. have i mentioned that the word CRUST is one of my least favorite words in the english language) crust! i know that a dish is good when i get a high-five from my husband and this pie got a like, TRIPLE high five! JUST SAYIN :) it was a good end to a great day

Cheesy Apple Pie (makes eight servings)

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. salt

1/3 cup butter-flavored shortening

½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

3-4 tbsp. cold water

5 cups thinly sliced, peeled tart cooking apples (such as Granny Smith or Rome Beauty)

¾ cup sugar

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. salt

Cheddar Crunch Topping:

¾ cup sugar

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. salt

1/3 cup butter

1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)

1.     Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the 1 cup flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until pieces are pea-size.

2.     Stir in cheese. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over part of the cheese mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of bowl. Repeat moistening flour mixture, using 1 tablespoon of the cold water at a time, until all of the flour mixture is moistened. Form dough into a ball.

3.     On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough ball into a disk. Roll dish from center to edges into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry circle. Trim to ½-inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry and flute or crimp edge. Do not prick pastry. Set aside.

4.     In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, the 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Spoon into dough-lined pie plate.

5.     Sprinkle cheddar crunch topping over filling. To prevent overbrowning, cover pie edge with foil. Bake pie for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Bake about 20 minutes more or until top is golden brown and fruit is tender. Cool on a wire rack.

6.     Cheddar Crunch Topping: In a medium bowl, stir together sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Gently stir in cheddar cheese.

i agree that cheese and apples and pies don't sound like a grand combination, but sometimes the oddest of things can make the greatest teams! :)