A question the Sage hears often
I was making an apple pie the other day and my grandmother told me I should serve it with a slice of cheddar cheese. Is that a real thing? I have to admit, I was a bit grossed out.
In short: It's very real, and very old. Sharp cheddar with apple pie is a long-standing tradition in parts of England, New England and here in Canada. The salty, tangy cheese balances the sweet apples. Try a small thin slice of old cheddar before you decide.
The Sage replies…
Your grandmother knows her stuff
Apple pie with cheddar has been served for generations. In Yorkshire there's an old saying that an apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze. In New England, Vermont especially, a wedge of sharp cheddar beside the pie is a classic, and plenty of Canadian grandmothers grew up with it too.
Why it works
Think of a cheese board with apple slices, or a ploughman's lunch with chutney. Sweet fruit and sharp, salty cheese are old friends. The cheddar cuts through the sugar, so each bite tastes less rich and more interesting. It's the same reason salted caramel is so popular.
Three ways to try it
The classic: a thin slice of sharp, aged cheddar on the side of a warm slice of pie.
The melty one: lay a slice of cheddar on top of the warm pie for the last few minutes in the oven, until it just softens.
The baker's secret: grate a handful of sharp cheddar into your pastry. It makes a golden, savoury crust that's wonderful with apples.
Choose the right cheese
Pick an old or extra-old cheddar, the sharper the better. Mild cheddar just tastes like a sandwich. And serve it at room temperature, since cold cheese hides its flavour.
And if you still don't like it?
Then serve Grandma her cheddar and enjoy yours with ice cream. Traditions are meant to be shared, not forced. But do try one small bite first. You may find yourself fighting her for the last slice.
With a wink and a twirl,
— The Dancing Sage
Try this
One small bite
Next time you have apple pie, cut the thinnest slice of old cheddar you can and eat it together with a forkful of warm pie. Then decide.
A question to take with you: Which of my family's food traditions would I love to pass on?
From The Dancing Sage's bookshelf: 30 Days Back to You
A gentle journal for slowing down, reconnecting, and finding your way back to yourself, one small day at a time.
Get the journal on Amazon →Keep reading: Why Do My Cookies Spread Flat? · Why Is My Shortbread Crumbly? · Make-Ahead Christmas Baking
Have a question of your own? Ask the Sage →
The Dancing Sage offers friendly, everyday advice, not professional counselling, medical, legal or financial advice. For anything serious, ongoing or urgent, please reach out to a doctor, counsellor or someone you trust. If you or someone else may be in danger, contact local emergency services.