There are fewer desserts that conjure up patriotism like the all American apple pie. But before you start singing the National Anthem, apple pie is not as American as you might think. The first apple pies were made in 14th century England. While the basic ingredients were almost the same as the modern day dessert, there were some pretty significant differences. The pastries for the original pies were inedible and used as a container to hold the filling inside. Also, sugar was omitted from the ingredient list as it was very expensive and not readily available so many spices like cinnamon and saffron were used to create a sweet flavor. Apple pie was first documented on U.S. soil after the pilgrims brought apples to the continent and it continues to be a favorite dessert for holidays and patriotic celebrations.
For a dessert that has had so many transformations, apple pie is a classic dish perfected by grandmothers and culinary experts alike. Today’s apple pie is sweet and flaky and rich. The ingredient list can be short or extensive with a lattice crust or closed top. This recipe is very simple and resembles the original pie with very basic ingredients combined to meld simple flavors into a big taste. Serve warm from the oven with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
6 – 7 small apples
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
prepared double pie crust
Directions
1. Peel, cored and thinly slice apples.
2. In pie dish, lay bottom layer of prepared pie crust down.
3. Mix sugar and cinnamon in bowl, set aside.
4. Layer apples in pie dish. Sprinkle each layer with cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Top final layer with small pieces of butter. Cover pie with the second crust.
6. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for 35 more minutes or until the pie is golden and bubbly.
Enjoy!
offers flavors such as espresso and latte. Also, don’t forget to take a walk on the wild side and explore international delights, such as the 
, which is very popular in Japan. Other types of hard candy may include coffee-flavored chocolate discs (similar to plain M&Ms) – encased in colored sugary shells.
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Espresso isn’t just a morning pick-me-up, but the popular beverage also has a place in the world of cooking and baking. Hot water forced through finely ground coffee at high pressure is how the darkly colored drink espresso is made. Originating in Italy, the coffee is typically served in small glasses or in “shots” measuring about one ounce. For instance, making the average latte or cappuccino calls for two shots of espresso.
Chocolate Espresso Cookies: Deliver an extra kick to your cookies with about 2 ¼ teaspoons of finely ground espresso beans added to your favorite chocolate cookie recipe.
You could also make an Espresso-Bourbon Sauce to coat grilled meats, such as beef steaks. Combine 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder in a small saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 8 minutes or until the sauce thickens and is reduced to about half. Occasionally stir and then add in 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Keep warm until grilled meat is ready for eating.
