Bacon Apple Cheddar Pi(e)

Happy Pi Day everyone!  To celebrate I thought it would only be appropriate to make a ridiculous (and hopefully delicious) pi(e).  I was lucky enough to have a sous chef help me out; this pi(e) definitely took a lot of time to put together!

Bacon Apple Cheddar Pi(e) (adapted from Suzanne Winter - Gallery Kitchen)
Note this recipe makes 2 pi(e)s

Ingredients
Crust
2 refrigerated pi(e) crusts
1 8 oz package of grated sharp cheddar cheese
  
Apple Filling
8 apples (I used McIntosh)
1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 1/2 cups water, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
3/8 cup (6 tablespoons) flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Generous pinch of salt

Bacon Topping
13 slices thick cut bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces 
1/2 cup brown sugar, divided (4 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons)
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 stick butter, cubed and softened

Directions
1. Prepare the pi(e) crusts according to the package.  Once cooled, put a thin layer of shredded cheese on the bottom of the pi(e) crusts (you might not use all of the cheese and will want to reserve a little for the topping)
2. Make the filling.  Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples (big thanks to the sous-chef for doing this!)

3. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice.  Set aside
4. In a large dutch oven, heat 1 cup of the water over medium heat.  Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.  Stir well and bring to a boil
5. Boil for 2 or so minutes, stirring constantly.  The mixture will get sticky
6. Add the apple slices to the pan.  Pour the other 1/2 cup of water over the apple slices.  Stir to coat apples in caramel mixture.  Cover and simmer until apples are tender - 7 or 8 minutes
7. Remove the mixture from the pan and let cool to room temperature
8. Make the bacon topping.  Cook the bacon pieces in a large skillet until crisp.  Remove, using a slotted spoon, to a paper towel to dry.  Reserve 1 tablespoon of grease
9. In a clean skillet, place the cooked bacon and 4 tablespoons of the brown sugar over medium heat.  Add grease in 1/4 teaspoons to moisten (I used about 1 teaspoon total)
10. Mix together until sugar is moistened with the grease.  Cook until the bacon is coated and caramelized.  Remove from the pan and set aside
11. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and remaining brown sugar.  Add the butter pieces and mix together using your finger tips.  The mixture should resemble dough
12. Pour the bacon bits into the dough mixture.  Using a fork, break up the bacon pieces while mixing into the dough (thanks again sous-chef :p)
13. Almost there!  Preheat your oven to 375.  Pour the apple filling into your two pi(e) crusts.  Top with bacon mixture.  I made my topping into a fun shape, just for pi day

14. Wrap your pi(e)s tightly in foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake for 17 - 20 minutes or until apples are bubbling and topping is golden and set
15. Turn the oven off and remove the pi(e)s.  Sprinkle cheese, if desired, to fill in your shape.  Place back in the oven for 3 minutes to melt the cheese.  Remove and cool

Here's what you get!

Have suggestions to make this pi(e) more delicious? Let me know!