If you have ever had a conversation with me for longer than oh, let’s say 5 seconds, you know I am a die-hard football fan. If you’ve known me for 3 seconds, you know I am a Carolina Gamecock. I live, breathe and eat football during football season, and my blood runneth garnet.

The Gamecocks have been blessed to have THE best defensive end in the country, Jadeveon Clowney, play for our team. The man is 6’6″, 266 pounds and clocked 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash! He is a BEAST! As we speak, he is at the NFL combine blowing it up! That man will make the cut.

So what does it take for one to make the cut? As a home chef, I would say, it takes a great pie! Maybe this Caramel Apple Macadamia Nut Pie would qualify. I’m thinking yes.

If you’ve ever baked a pie you know it requires great culinary skill to remove that first slice in tact. First, make sure you are not really hungry (this provides patience grasshoppa). Second, make sure you have allotted at least ten minutes for first slice removal. Third, make sure you have the required pie slicer; a knife is unacceptable. Fourth, go in gently and wiggle your way upwards until you have captured the entire slice. Fifth, gently move your perfect slice of pie to the pie plate. Lastly, if all else fails, turn your back to your guests with pie plate strategically placed in front of you, and rake that stuff out with your hand and sling into a very pretty bowl. Quickly wash your hands, top with a mound of ice cream, a little dash of Cinnamon for effect, take a huge sip (gulp) of wine…or vodka…and no one will ever know the difference. Wipe your brow, then smile. Facial expressions make all the difference is proving your success. Serve and enjoy.

I bet Jadeveon would like this pie. I like this pie. I think we’ll both make the cut.

Caramel Apple Macadamia Nut Pie

Ingredients:

• 7-8 mixed variety apples – I used 1/2 Granny Smith and half Pink Lady’s
• 2 pie crusts – store bought or homemade (Here is a great pie crust recipe)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 cup caramel
• 1/4 cup chopped Macadamia nuts – you can also use Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Walnuts or really any nut you prefer

  

Directions:

Peel, core and slice apples. Mix apples in a large bowl with sugars and let sit about 15-20 minutes. Add Cinnamon, flour and salt. Mix well. Spray pie plate with non-stick spray. Put the first crust into the pie plate. Fill with the apple mixture. Pour caramel over the apple mixture. Add slices of butter to top of the pie. Cover with the second crust. Decorate as desired, making sure to allow at least one area for steam to escape, then brush with egg white. Bake at 425 for 40-45 minutes. If crust begins to brown excessively, cover with foil.

I like making the cut. Bon appetit y’all!