Apple Pie: America's Favorite Treat

There are at least as many variations of apple pie recipes as there are species of apples themselves--at least 7,500 worldwide! Googling “apple pie recipes” yields an astonishing 7,070,000 in all!

Of course, we have no way of tabulating how many duplicates this figure includes, but suffice it to say that there are lots and lots and lots of possibilities when it comes to making this traditional American dessert.

The earliest apple pie was probably served in the time of Chaucer—that is to say in 14th century. A recipe from 1381 gives a somewhat different ingredient list than the one to which we are accustomed. It calls for apples, spices, figs and raisins.

So, what’s the secret to making a truly excellent pie? Some cooks will tell you it’s all about the pastry, while others will swear that it's the quality of apples that is the most important.

Here for those Apple Pie aficionados is the pie that pastry chef Bill Yosses serves to the First Family. To make the crust, combine three cups of all-purpose flour, a quarter cup sugar, two teaspoons of salt, 10 ounces unsalted of cold butter that’s cut into small chunks, three ounces of lard, also cold and cut into small chunks, and half a cup ice water.

For the filling, peel, core and cut into chunks (or slices if you prefer) two pounds of apples. Add one cup of sugar, half a cup of hone, half a cup of cornstarch, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and the juice (and zest) of one lemon. Before the pie goes into the oven, sprinkle sugar over the top crust.

For detailed preparation and baking directions, go to http://www.recipezaar.com/bill-yosses-white-house-apple-pie-399091.