Apple Pie

Apple Pie History :

• Apple pie recipes can be traced back to the 14th century in England.
• The first English recipe collection, “Forme of Cury,” contains a recipe that includes apples, spices, figs, raisins, and pears encased in pastry.
• Dutch apple pie recipes date back to the Middle Ages, with a recipe from 1514 calling for standard pie crust, soft apples, and spices.
• Apple pie was brought to America by English, Dutch, and Swedish colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Two recipes for apple pie appear in America's first cookbook, “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons, published in 1796.
• Apple pie became a symbol of American prosperity and national pride in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• The phrase “as American as apple pie” describes something as being typically American.

Classic Apple Pie Ingredients:

• Crust:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup ice water
• Filling:
• 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
• Optional:
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

Variations:

• Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or allspice to the filling.
• Sweeteners: Use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
• Fruit: Add a handful of berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) to the filling.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans onto the filling before baking.

Remember, the key to a great apple pie is using a variety of apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix of sweet and tart apples.