Apple Pie with Honey Cheddar Crust

Ingredients

Crust

• • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2-4 tbsp ice cold water (or vodka)
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

Filling

• 7 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup honey
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 egg, whisked with 1 tbsp water
• Coarse sugar, option

Preparation:

1. Prepare the crust: Add the flour and salt to a food processor. Add the cold butter, pulsing until the mixture is pea-sized in texture.
2. Add the honey and water, 2 tablespoons at a time, pulsing until a dough just begins to form. Note: try to add as little water as possible, this will ensure you get a flaky dough.
3. Add the cheese, and pulse 1-2 times to distribute.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Cut in half, and flatten each half, shaping them into round discs. Avoid overworking the dough.  Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight.
5. Meanwhile, add the sliced apples to a large bowl. Toss with honey, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°
7. On a floured work surface, roll the discs of dough, one at a time, into a large, approximately 12-inch, circle.
8. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing down with your fingers to fit. Use a paring knife to trim the overhanging dough. Add the apples to the plate.
9. Roll the second disc of dough, and cut into strips, use a cookie cutter to make shapes, or simply place on top of the apples.
10. Make the egg wash: whisk the egg and water together. Brush on the dough, and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using.
11. Place the pie plate on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375°F, and continue baking for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
12. If the crust begins to brown, place a piece of aluminum foil overtop to prevent further browning.
13. Let cool.
14. Enjoy!