From the maple syrup, cream cheese, egg, orange peel and vanilla in the crust, to the maple-sour cream topping, this is definitely a European version of apple pie...and quite delicious.

European Sour Cream Apple Pie

2/3 cup butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
4 ounces cream cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1. For the crust, in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, blend together butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, cream cheese, egg, orange peel, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and baking powder until thoroughly mixed. Roll out the crust on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Arrange sliced apples in a circular pattern on the dough in the pie plate. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour.
3. Combine sour cream, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and lemon juice. Spoon over the chilled apples. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg on top.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.