Thursday, April 3, 2014

As American As Apple Pie


Can't you almost smell these apple pies cooling in the window?
Apple Pie. . . .Grandmothers. . . .Love
True Americana at it's best.


I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. . . .Thinking about my Grandmother. . . .

Back when baking was done with windows wide open, I could smell Grandmother's pies and cakes a block away. . . .When I'd get a whiff of her Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie,  I made it a point to visit. . . . hoping for an opportunity for just a bite of pie before lunch. . . .Why was it so easy to talk a Grandmother into such a no-no? . . . .Remember how Mom's would say no sweets, 'It will ruin your lunch'. . . . . . . I can truly say, it never ruined mine!

Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp
Red Hot Apple Pie in a Mug
Cinnamon Red Hot Apple Pie


We Americans love pie. . . .There’s something magical about a buttery, flaky crust baked around a sweet filling. . . .Who doesn't love a slice of fruity goodness? . . .Are you drooling, yet?

I have apples on my baking list for today. . . .I've been playing hooky for a couple of weeks. . . .Ran off to the Ozarks for a much needed break, leaving Boo and John alone to fend for themselves. . . .Feeling a little guilty. . . .Not much. . . .Only a little. . . .(grin). . . .While roaming the hills I ran into apples on sale. . . .Came home with several bags and a plan to pamper John just a tad. . . .Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie or Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp (both his favorites). . . .maybe Apple Jelly. . . .or an Apple Cake or two (I make several and freeze them). . . .

So it was only natural that my thoughts were on Grandmother and her 'red hot' pie recipes. . .She added red hots not only to apple pies but also to peach pies and cobblers and her delicious fried pies. . . .Contrary to belief, adding red hots is not a new concept. . . .Cooks of the past knew first hand how well the red sugary treats melted during baking, adding a cinnamon-y flavor that couldn't be duplicated with regular pie spices.

I laugh when I say ' Grandmother's recipe'. . . .because there is no recipe. . . .I learned by watching her. . . .and a few experiments of my own. . . .For you who aren't as adventurous, I've done a little online research for you and found many wonderful recipes at Just A Pinch Recipes . (links below photos) . . . .There's even one for Red Hot Pie in a Mug!

If you like the more traditional apple pies--without red hots--here's a few recipes that sounded delicious, too. . . .

 
 And, here's my version of Grandmother's pie recipe:

Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie
In a large bowl, combine
6  cups apples, cored and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
 3/4 cup sugar
1/4-1/2 cup red hots
2 tablespoons flour
 
Mix and let stand a few minutes, while you prepare your favorite two crust pastry. . . .or do as I do and buy 'Pillsbury" Ready Made. . . .(grin). . . .Roll one to fit into 9-inch pie pan. . . .Add apple mixture. . . .Dot with 2-3 tablespoons butter (yum). . . .Place second pastry on top, cutting slits for the steam to escape. . . .or weave strips of pastry to form a lattice top.
Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes, or until apples are tender.
 
 

I can't end without sharing
Grandmother's Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp.
It is probably the easiest and our favorite.
I've posted her recipe before, but just in case you missed it. . . .


Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp

 Now do I have you drooling?  
 Ready to bake a little love for your family?
It's as simple. . . .and as American. . . .
as baking an Apple Pie!
What else can I say?
 
Oh, yeah. . . .There is one more thing. . . .
 Don't forget to leave the window open!
 
 
. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .
 
 

 

12 comments:

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

A slice would go well with my coffee this morning!

Debby Ray said...

Mmmm...all of these recipes look and sound delish! I love the pic with the pies on the open window sills...those were special days! The memories you have of your grandmother are the memories I have with my mom. She made some wonderful pies! And you gotta love those Pillsbury All Ready Pie Crusts! Great post!

- abigail - said...

oh my. now i'm hungry!
such wonderful stories and memories you tell of. i just love pie and making it from scratch is one of my favorite things to do and something i'm known for.
thank you much for sharing the recipes. i'm sorry to say that i haven't made a pie since Christmas. this weekend is supposed to be dark and rainy, so this sounds wonderful.

~Abigail
http://sweetergetsthejourneyblog.blogspot.com/

Brenda Pruitt said...

It's lunch time and I'm starving. I would LOVE a bit of apple pie with red hots!
Brenda

Florida Farm Girl said...

So good to hear from you. I was beginning to wonder if things were okay on the Farm. Glad you had some fun travels.

Yep, apple pie sounds good. Hmmm...I think I've got a jar of apple pie filling that a friend made last fall and brought to me. Hey, it beats not having one!!

Junkchiccottage said...

Yum! Now I have a taste for an Apple PIe. Thanks for the recipes. Yummy!
Kris

mariondee-designs said...

I LOVE a good apple pie! I'll definately be trying one of these recipes! take care, Maryann

cynthia lee designs said...

Yummy!! I can remember staying with my grandma and getting to help her make apple pies. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
hugs,
Cindy

Unknown said...

That’s recipes is definitely a good I will be making them! Everybody loves discover delicious new recipes, and an occasion this is a perfect opportunity to do so.

Unknown said...

I have to tell you us Canadians are pie people too lol - and this sounds amazing - I've never heard of adding red hots ( American thing ? lol ) but wow it must be incredible!
Pinning for sure!
XOX

Pam said...

Mmmm-Mmmmm, these sure look yummy!
I love apples and cinnamon and caramel. Thank you for the wonderful recipes.
Hugs,
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

JP said...

Sure looks super delish....I'm pinning it!

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