Think of nothing but anticipate.

I thought of making something with apples, since I love them so much and I wasn't very keen on the idea of making a traditional apple pie, so I thought of doing something that involved apples, gouda cheese crumble, a tart shell and some balsamic reduction... couldn't sound any better. Although to my surprise, my husband didn't like the balsamic reduction, he thought that it was a strong flavor compared to the other ones, so I think it's a matter of taste, as always... I also made a cinnamon ice cream to go with it, it was a subtle combination that always goes well with the apples. Enjoy.



For the caramelized apples:

Granny smith apples 2
Sugar 150 g
Port wine or Calvados 50ml

1)Place a skillet on a medium heat and add the sugar all at once. When it starts to get brown in colour add the apples cut into wedges and pour inmediately the port wine or the liquour at your choice, lower the heat and cook until the apples are soft.

For the Gouda Cheese Crumble:
Butter cut in small pieces 50g
Icing sugar 50g
Flour 50g
Gouda Cheese 50g

1)In a bowl mix all the ingredients with the tip of your fingers until it resembles coarse meal.
2)Pour over a baking sheet and bake at 160C for about 15 minutes. (Check every once in a while and stir the mixture often so it doesn't get burned)

For the tart shell:
Sugar 4 Tbsp
Vanilla extract 1 Tsp
All purpose flour 300g
Zest of one lemon and its juice
Butter 180g
A dash of salt
Egg yolk 1

1)In a food processor mix the flour, lemon zest and butter until it has the texture of coarse meal.
2)Add the sugar, vanilla extract, the egg yolk and 2 Tbsp of lemon juice (if the dough does not come together, just add more lemon juice) and pulse just until the dough comes together.
3) Chill dough for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
4)Cut circles with a cookie cutter and bake at 180C for about 15 to 20 minutes, until crust is brown.

Balsamic Reduction:
Balsamic Vinegar 100ml

1)In a small saucepan at medium heat cook the Balsamic Vinegar until it reaches a thread consistency.