When did the saying "American as apple pie" originate?

During WW2 soldiers used the saying for mom and apple pie. Apple pie is said to represent the best of our American culture. According to Food 52 apple pie embodies our diverse cultures coming together to create something uniquely American.

How to avoid a soggy pie crust?

Everyone has their own method. One can brush the bottom crust with egg white or I like this version from King Arthur-crust dust. A combination of sugar and flour is dusted on the bottom of the pie crust! Read more here . I also bake my pie in the lower part of the oven and I just found out that I should be using a glass or metal pie pan. Next time!

What is the most popular pie in America?

According to Instacart, it's the apple pie. Cherry, my favorite , is 4th! Pumpkin pie and pecan pie are 2nd and 3rd respectively.

What refrigerated pie crust is the best?

I love Pillsbury for its crispness and flakiness. It is also a thin crust and everyone thinks it is homemade. It does contain lard so if you keep kosher it is not for you. For the record I also use Trader Joes, which must be kept in the freezer. They need to be thawed and often break apart when thawed, they have a buttery flavor, are larger than Pillsbury and come in handy. Kroger's pie crust was also rated very high!

Easy Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe

Name: Easy Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts-softened as directed on box; 6 - 8 cups peeled, sliced and cored apples (I used a combination of Granny Smith and Honey crisp); 3/4 c sugar (I used 1/2 c dark brown sugar and 1/4 c granulated sugar); 2 T flour; 3/4 t ground cinnamon but I added 1 t cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1/4 t ground fresh nutmeg (Optional); 1 T lemon juice; 1 T butter cut into cubes for dotting on top of filling; Handful of raisins (optional); 1 T Heavy cream, or milk, beaten with 1 egg yolk and extra cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

Description

When you want to keep it simple as pie, this Pillsbury Apple pie recipe is the way to go. Made with lots of apples and cinnamon, plus brown sugar to give a subtle caramel flavor, this classic pie is a winner. Totally delicious, this easy apple pie recipe with store-bought crust is one of our favorites.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts-softened as directed on box

Filling:

6 - 8 cups peeled, sliced and cored apples (I used a combination of Granny Smith and Honey crisp)

3/4 c sugar (I used 1/2 c dark brown sugar and 1/4 c granulated sugar)

2 T flour

3/4 t ground cinnamon but I added 1 t cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/4 t ground fresh nutmeg (Optional)

1 T lemon juice

1 T butter cut into cubes for dotting on top of filling

Handful of raisins (optional)

Topping:

1 T Heavy cream, or milk, beaten with 1 egg yolk and extra cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425. Place one piecrust into one 9" glass or metal pie plate. Press firmly against top and bottom, leaving about a 1" overhang.

Peel apples, core and slice thin, about 1/4" slices. I use a spoon to remove the core. So easy!

Toss apple slices with all ingredients except for the topping. Taste and add more cinnamon or sugar if needed. Sometimes apples can be quite tart and I add more sugar. If you love cinnamon, extra cinnamon never hurts either.Mix well and fill pie crust. Make sure apple filling does not have air spaces in filling sso be sure to pack tightly. Place the apples in neatly so it bakes evenly. A flatter pie is made with 6 cups but if you want a mounded pie use 8 cups. Dot with butter and then place the top crust on.

Fold the top crust under the overhang of the bottom crust and use your fingers or a fork to seal. Cut slits on top for steam to escape.

Brush with egg wash or heavy cream and sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar.

Place pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425 on the middle rack for the first 15 minutes and then turn temperature down to 350 for about 45 minutes more. Tent with foil if needed.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Personally I like a tall glass of ice cold milk with mine!

Notes

If pie crust warms up to much before baking, place back in fridge for 15 minutes to chill.

For more pie crust tips see above.