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As American As Apple Pie

As we gear up for the 4th of July this Wednesday, I’m already starting to crave warm, gooey apple pie with a scoop of vanilla on top. Apart from all the grilling I’m sure will be going on, apple pie is a quintessential American treat. And what better way to celebrate Independence Day than apple pie?

Apple pie dates back to 12th century England where recipes called for “good apples, pears, and figs.” Because sugar was hard to come by, and apples weren’t traditionally sweet (the Red Delicious wasn’t introduced until the 19th century), traditional apple pie had a more tart flavor. It was often served with a sharp cheddar cheese or crumbly Chesire. A lot of people still love their apple pie this way (do any of you?).

Apple pie has been enjoyed by Americans since the first colonists brought it over from England, but it became strongly linked to American culture around WWII. Soldiers often said they went to war for “mom and apple pie.” Other reports say that during the prohibition, the Apple Marketing Board of New York State brought the apple back into mainstream America (since cider was out) with slogans like “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “as American as apple pie.”

Regardless of how it got ingrained in American culture, I’d say it’s hard to imagine a foodie 4th without that sweet (or sharp, for you cheese lovers out there) taste of apple pie after gorging yourself with BBQ.

How about you guys? How do you like your apple pie – I’m really interested to know who eats it theirs with cheese – and do you have any family traditions?

Posted Jul 3, 2007 by themagster | Share It

Filed under: BBQ dessert holidays