Cheddar Whiskey Apple Pie with Butter Cracker Crumble

8 large baking apples (such as Fuji or Cortland), peeled, cored and sliced

2 tablespoons whiskey

¼ cup packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon cornstarch

6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch dice

Deep-dish 9-inch pie dough

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup salted butter crackers (such as Ritz Crackers), lightly crushed

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Place an empty rimmed baking sheet in the oven.

In a large bowl, combine the apples, whiskey, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and cheddar cheese. Mix well.

Fit the pie dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, folding and crimping the edge as desired. Transfer the apple mixture to the pie shell. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, crackers and granulated sugar. Toss well to mix, then spoon evenly over the top of the pie. Place the pie on the heated baking sheet in the oven (this helps to cook the bottom crust) and bake 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and then apples are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Serves eight.

Nutrition values serving: 420 calories, 19 g fat (10 g saturated; 0 trans fats), 57 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 33 g sugar, 7 g protein, 40 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium.

Alison Ladman, The Associated Press