Become a Master at Making American Pies

Cakes, cookies, and ice cream all have their place in our hearts, but there’s something truly special about pie. It has weaved its way into American food culture, symbolizing home, tradition, and abundance. The mention of pie often evokes nostalgic memories—the smell of a freshly baked pie cooling on the windowsill, ready to be devoured. It’s no wonder we coined the phrase “as American as apple pie.” Today, we embark on a delightful journey exploring the history, art, and joy of making American pies.

The History of Pies in America: From Ancient Origins to Culinary Delights

Pies have a long and storied history, dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The concept of a pastry shell filled with a delicious filling has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting across cultures. In America, pies found their place in the hearts and homes of early settlers, becoming a staple in their diet. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history of pies in America.

One particular pie that played a significant role in American pie history is the apple pie. The Pilgrims brought apple seeds and saplings with them on their journey to America. As these apple trees matured and flourished, apple pie quickly became a staple on the American table. The abundance of apples made it easy for the settlers to dry and store them in barrels, ensuring a supply of fruit throughout the winter months.

Apple pie became synonymous with American identity and was often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations. The phrase “as American as apple pie” emerged, solidifying its status as a national symbol of abundance and tradition.

As settlers moved across the vast expanse of America, regional and cultural differences began to shape the types of pies enjoyed in different areas. Each region embraced its local ingredients and culinary traditions, resulting in a diverse tapestry of pie flavors and styles.

In the Northeastern and Midwestern states, where maple trees thrived, pies sweetened with maple syrup became popular. Blueberry pies were beloved in Maine, where wild blueberries grew abundantly. The South embraced the tradition of silky custard pies, such as chess pie and buttermilk pie, which showcased the region’s love for rich, creamy flavors. The abundance of pecan trees in the South led to the creation of the indulgent pecan pie, with its gooey caramel filling and crunchy pecans.

Florida’s proximity to the tropics gave rise to a unique and beloved pie—the key lime pie. This tangy and refreshing dessert is made with the juice of small key limes, sweetened condensed milk, and a crumbly graham cracker crust. Key lime pie captures the essence of Florida’s citrus heritage and has become a signature dessert of the Sunshine State.

During the mid-1800s, concerns about diet and nutrition led to a decline in pie consumption. The heaviness of pie dough and the availability of alternative desserts caused pies to lose their popularity. However, they never disappeared completely from American tables.

After World War II, as convenience foods and baking innovations emerged, pies made a comeback. Ready-made crusts, instant pudding mixes, and other modern conveniences made pie-making more accessible to home cooks. Pies regained their status as beloved desserts, and people once again embraced the joy of baking and savoring homemade pies.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in pies as people rediscover the joy of homemade baking and reconnect with their culinary roots. Bakers and pastry enthusiasts have taken pie-making to new heights, experimenting with unique flavor combinations, creative crust designs, and innovative techniques. Pie contests, festivals, and social media platforms dedicated to pies have become popular, providing platforms for pie enthusiasts to share their creations and exchange tips and recipes. Pies continue to evolve and adapt, reflecting the ever-changing tastes and preferences of modern-day America.

Fun Facts About Some of America’s Most Beloved Pies

The state of Texas adopted pecan pie as its official state pie in 2013, honoring the pecan tree’s significance in the state’s history and economy. Authentic key lime pie is made with the juice of key limes, which are smaller and more acidic than regular limes. They provide a distinct flavor that sets key lime pie apart from other citrus-based pies.

According to Guinness World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever made weighed over 1,678 kilograms. It was created in Ohio in 2010 and measured over 20 feet in diameter.

In 2009, the state of Vermont declared apple pie as the official state pie, cementing its status as an American culinary icon.

Becoming a True Pie Master: Tips, Techniques, and Recipes

Now that we’ve explored the history and flavors of classic American pies, it’s time to unlock the secrets to becoming a true pie master. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these tips and recipes will help you elevate your pie-making skills to new heights.

Mastering the Perfect Pie Crust

Ingredients:

●      250 grams all-purpose flour

●      1/2 teaspoon salt

●      113 grams unsalted butter, cold and cubed

●      50 grams vegetable shortening, cold

●      60-80 milliliters ice water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and vegetable shortening to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough comes together.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

●      6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

●      200 grams granulated sugar

●      1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

●      1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

●      1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

●      1/4 teaspoon salt

●      1 tablespoon lemon juice

●      1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

●      1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

●      1 recipe for pie crust (see previous section)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are coated.
3. Roll out half of the pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it.
4. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
5. Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
6. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a shiny finish.
7. Make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Now that you have the knowledge and the recipes, it’s time to embark on your pie-making adventure. Measure, mix, and bake with passion as you create delectable pies that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Let the rich history and flavors of American pies inspire you to experiment, innovate, and make each pie a true masterpiece. And be sure to tag DelicioUS! South Africa on Instagram and Facebook when you post your mouthwatering creation!