Cast-iron apple pie with pear & nutmeg

THE RECIPE

Cast-iron apple pie with pear & nutmeg

A rustic double-crust pie with an extra-crisp base from a hot cast-iron skillet. Pear softens the apple’s tartness while nutmeg adds a subtle, warm spice.

Method

1. 1
   Make the dough

   Work the flour, butter, salt and water into a dough. Divide in two and chill for 30 minutes.

2. 2
   Heat the skillet

   Place a 24 cm cast-iron skillet in the oven for 10 minutes. Melt half the butter in the hot pan.

3. 3
   Fill

   Carefully line the skillet with dough. Mix the apples, sugar, starch and flavouring: 250 g diced firm pear in place of the same amount of apple, ¼ tsp nutmeg and 1 tsp lemon juice. Add the filling.

4. 4
   Add the lid

   Dot with the remaining butter, add a pastry lid, seal the edge and cut steam vents. Brush with egg.

5. 5
   Bake

   Bake until deeply golden. Rest in the skillet for at least 35 minutes.