Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 23 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 each egg yolks beaten
  • 2 cups flour, unbleached all-purpose sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 7 cups apples
  • 2 teaspoons flour, unbleached all-purpose
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon water

Method

  • Combine the flour, cheese and salt in a bowl.
  • Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the shortening until coarse crumbs form.
  • Sprinkle the iced water (5 or 6 tbls will be needed) and using a fork, toss the crumbs until a dough is formed.
  • Press the dough firmly into a ball.
  • Divide the pastry almost in half and roll out the larger half, on a lightly floured surface, to a 13-inch circle.
  • Line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry, trimming the edges to 1/2-inch beyond the rim of the pie plate.
  • Combine the apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing well.
  • Arrange the apple mixture in the pastry lined pie plate.
  • Roll out the remaining pastry to an 11-inch circle.
  • Gently fold into quarters and cut steam slits in the folds.
  • Unfold the crust and place on top of the filling, trimming the crust to 1-inch beyond the rim of the pie plate.
  • Fold the top crust under the lower one and flute to form a ridge around the edge of the pie plate.
  • Combine the egg yolk and water, then brush the mixture over the top crust and rim.
  • Bake in a 400 degree F. oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender and the crust is a golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack until slightly warm and serve with Vanilla Ice Cream, if desired.