Upside-Down Apple Cheese Pie

Name: Upside-Down Apple Cheese Pie
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6-8 servings.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches); 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon plus 1 cup sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

When you want to serve something different for dessert, turn to my unique treat. The cheesecake-like pie features slices of tart apples and a delectable caramelized topping.—Lisa Dilworth, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ingredients

2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon plus 1 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar and butter; spread into a greased 9-in. pie plate. Roll out one pastry to fit the pie plate; place over pecan mixture. Trim pastry even with edge of plate.
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla until blended; spread over pastry. In large bowl, combine the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger and remaining sugar; pour over cheese mixture.
Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top.
Bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.