Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tsp (6g) salt
- 6-8 tbsp (90-120ml) ice water
- 4 large (approx. 2 lbs / 900g) Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup (115g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (25g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp (1g) ground ginger
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt
- 1 large (50g) egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp (12g) coarse turbinado sugar
Instructions:
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
- Use a pastry cutter to work the chilled butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized lumps remaining.
- Stir in ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together.
- Press dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and freeze for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Toss with the pears until every slice is velvety and coated.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed among the fruit.
- Roll out two-thirds of the dough and press it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
- Pour the Cheddar Pear Pie filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the top. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges. Cut 4-5 slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes or until the crust is mahogany-colored and the filling is bubbling through the vents.