Savory Apple Pie

Submitted by Stuart Broz on Wed, 01/20/2010 - 10:31pm

I've been thinking about pie lately. Actually, I've been thinking about baking lately (and how I should do more of it). Pies seem like one of the easiest sorts of baking to me in that they seem likely to be more amenable to improvisation.

So. Pie.

Since I'm contrary, I immediately want to subvert the pie-paradigm and make a savory pie.

"Aha," you say, thinking you have caught me in a contradiction. "Savory pies are completely ordinary. In fact, I love a good chicken pot pie."

I shake my head. You didn't let me finish. I want to make a savory pie... a savory apple pie.

Why not? Apples work well with onions and cheese. Apple pie is even served with cheddar some places.

I'm thinking an apple pie with caramelized onions and gruyere would be practically normal. I might need to make something stranger. (I also need to buy some apples.)

Ideas?

Pie
Apple
Caramelized Onions

Comments

Submitted by Andrew Hammond (not verified) on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 3:25pm.

By substituting cold vodka for cold water, you can achieve a flaky yet manageable crust. The alcohol doesn't activate the gluten. I think it was Cooks Illustrated where I first saw that trick, but it seems to be everywhere now. As for fillings, why go with Gruyere when you could do a nice sharp blue or Gorgonzola?

Stuart Broz's picture

Submitted by Stuart Broz on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 4:39pm.

I was considering gorgonzola. I might still be doing so...

Submitted by crimfan on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 2:13pm.

Vodka is essentially 40-50% alcohol and thus produces a lot less gluten. The alcohol is pretty much gone but the flakiness of the crust was fantastic.

Anyway, an apple and cheese pie sounds... interesting. I'm not a baker myself so I wouldn't attempt it, but something like blue or Gorgonzola would be a good place to start, though I'd be really wary of overwhelming the flavor. I love blue cheese but a little bit goes a long way.

I wonder if using fried apples as a pie filling might be a good start? People often cook sausages, pork chops, etc., or the like with apples and the flavors complement nicely.

(Aside: I accidentally typed "pork cops" at first. That is, of course, redundant. :)

Submitted by crimfan on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 2:14pm.

http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Country-Style-Sausage-with-Fried-A...

Submitted by crimfan on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 2:15pm.

For someone who won't eat pork, I'm not sure what a good sub might be. Perhaps turkey with plenty of bread crumbs and spices?

Submitted by Gaby (not verified) on Thu, 01/28/2010 - 10:21pm.

Dear Kitchenhacker, you seem very tech savvy and I only say that because the image of the apple pie you have on your post is awesome! Where did you get that? Whereever you got it from, Apple needs to see this. It reminded me of the Absolute Vodka commercials that always use some interesting object in their ad that is in the shape of the vodka bottle. Your site was such a pleasure to visit. Well presented, clean, clear and beautiful photos. I shall be returning for another delicious (giga)bite. Thank you for sharing,
Cheers, Gaby
You can visit me at http://ptsaldari.posterous.com