The apple. By far one of the most meaningful symbols in our civilizations. At first glance, merely a fruit. In biblical terms, temptation. In philosophy, wisdom. Academics, appreciation. Medicine, health. Fatherhood, adoration.
For me, an apple represents tradition. An especially important one in my family because it's a tradition that I began. Apple-picking isn't a Latin-Caribbean custom, but like with many traditions, in my family it evolved as a result of where we live and what surrounds us.
My family and I are making the most of living in Upstate, NY . As drastically different from The Bronx as this may be, it's a wonderful place to raise children.
Once September rolls around I'm reminded of some of the many reasons why; small wonderful schools for the kids to go back to, and a vast array of apple orchards everywhere, eager to yield their most prized possessions. The apple.
It wasn't until I chaperoned my daughter's kindergarten class on a local apple-picking field trip, that we walked with a tour guide and I got to see the many products that are made from apples. That inspired me every year thereafter to not just take my kids apple picking, but to also celebrate the apple for it's many meanings and uses... Stay with me on this series as we explore some of my favorite tributes to the apple!
Cinnamon-Spice Apple Pie
To fully appreciate the making of Apple Pie, I love to pick the apples.... From the trees to my dish, the apples truly feel like such a gift.
Once you're home, it will take about 6-8 apples depending on the size. The apples need to be peeled,cored & sliced.
Place the apple slices in a mixing bowl. Juice half of a fresh lemon and mix in with the apples. It's not a bad idea to also sprinkle a pinch of lemon rind (finely grated lemon peel) in there too for a secret boost of fresh flavor.
Now you're ready to mix in your spices:
3/4 cup of sugar
one tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
a pinch of salt
1Tablespoon of Cinnamon, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon of Allspice
a 1/4 teaspoon of Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of Ginger
1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cloves
2 Tablespoons of Flour
(this will help soak up the water released by the apples, and provide the pie filling with a rich texture).
By the way, most of these spices can be purchased at local Dollar Stores, and can be used for many recipes, in particular, our Caribbean recipes. Watch and see...
Be sure to mix spices thoroughly and well. This is the part that my daughter loves to do!
Although making a fresh pie crust is not difficult, I don't enjoy the process of rolling out the dough. I prefer to buy the Pillsbury Pie Crusts, that come ready made. It must be thawed out and room temperature.
Be wary of store brands. I have found that not all of them stand up through the unrolling process when you're taking it out of the package. I have never had a problem with Pillsbury and so I choose not to risk it. Line the bottom of your pie dish with one crust.
Time to fill your dish with your seasoned apples.
Unroll the second pie crust (2 come in a package; top & bottom). Lay out flat on a non-stick cutting surface. With a knife, trace designs on your pie. This not only looks pretty, but also helps aerate your pie.
Lay your top crust to cover your apple filling now.
Take that excess dough, and roll into a ball, then roll out flat with a rolling pin, on a non-stick surface. You should now have a flat sheet of rolled dough. With a small knife, trace and then cut out shapes to decorate your pie with. I love to make leaves, and I even trace the detail on them. You may ask why am I manually cutting them out as opposed to using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter? Because, leaves all come in unique shapes and sizes. If I cut them and shape them myself, I can also make them all unique...
Lastly, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and coat the top of your pie, to provide added flavor and flakiness.
Time to put that delicious pie in the oven...
Although, I started the tradition of apple-picking in my family, I have to thank my Dad Pat for teaching me to make apple-pie as a kid. It was one of the first things that we ever did together in the kitchen.
As an Irish man, having married into a Puerto Rican family it must have been hard for him to introduce his cooking style. We're traditionally set in our ways. Dad just has a way about him though!
I was 7 years old when he married my mom, and spoke no English really. He must have sensed my curiosity in the kitchen because I remember him building a bridge with me that way.
He also knew that I had a sweet tooth. First came Apple Pie, Pineapple-Upside Down Cake (which my diabetic grandma, Mamita would sneak, or send me to go get her a slice), and then we graduated to chocolate cake.
Once we connected with baking, my Dad taught me about how the rest of the world eats. He had lived in Germany, Turkey and Vietnam as a soldier and learned to appreciate the very best food of so many different cultures.
My mom and Mamita are the reasons why I feel connected to the kitchen. My Dad is the reason why I opened my arms to world cuisine and cultures.
All three of them are the reason why I learned to share happiness in my kitchen.
Was that our kitchen timer going off? I think our pie is ready... Come on, let's sit together and have some warm apple pie. Do you smell the spiciness of the Fall in the air? I'll grab us some hot apple-cider too. We'll have some pie while I cook up some other Fall recipes for you.
...Muy Buen Provecho!
