Cheddar and Apple Pies

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, sliced ​​into thin half rings
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 0.5cm cubes.
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• A pinch of ground ginger
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 tbsp. + 4 tsp. cheddar cheese spread
• 2 layers of chilled pie dough (from a 400g package)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp. white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
• Special equipment: cookie cutter with a diameter of 10 cm.

Preparation:

1. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and caramelized, 8-10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the apples and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then sprinkle with the sugar, ginger, 2 tablespoons thyme, and another pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the apples are very soft and light golden, about 6 minutes more. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese spread and cook until melted and smooth, then remove from the heat. Transfer to a medium bowl and refrigerate until completely cool, about 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 175°C, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Place the pie dough on a cutting board or clean work surface. Cut out 8 circles, each 10 cm in diameter; gather and reroll the scraps of dough to cut out more circles, if necessary. Beat the egg in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water.
5. Spoon about 1/4 tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of the dough circle, then top with 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining cheese spread. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg and fold the dough into a semicircle. Press out any air and crimp the edges with a fork. Transfer the pies to one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
6. Brush the pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of thyme. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes.