Apple pie. You don’t just eat it, you live it. Every… last… bite.  :)))

One of the things Jackie and I love these days is getting the whole, extended family together.  Now that the weather has changed, and everyone’s out and about more, we look in anticipation to have everyone over to the house. This year we’re celebrating May’s National Apple Pie Day. For those that know me, it doesn’t take much to trigger my love for food and desserts, (heck, I’d celebrate a cracker day, as long as there was cheese-dips!). We’ll be “enhancing” the celebration with “and ice cream, and chocolate syrup, and snacks, and good food off the grill, and, and and”. I’m guessing, if you ask a variety of people, most of them will jump at any chance they get to sink their teeth into a piece of apple pie, especially if it’s warmed up and fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream!. As my family already knows…There is no rule that says you can’t have apple pie as an appetizer! So, here’s some fun trivia and history and recipes so you too can have a reason to celebrate with friends and families.  Thanks to daysoftheyear.com and nationalday.com. delish.com, thetoastykitchen.com and epicurious.com for the info.  Enjoy!

• National Apple Pie Day is kind of like a blank check for eating apple pie, so everyone should be sure to make the most of it!  It has the ability to get families together, whether baking in the kitchen or enjoying delicious desserts together. And for many people, this day is an act of patriotism. After all, apple pie is as American as, well, as they say, apple pie!
• History reveals that apple pie seems to have been very popular in centuries past in countries like England and The Netherlands. Both of these countries have recipes going back many centuries. In fact, the history of apple pie dates back more than 600 years, to the 14th century with an English recipe. However, it was not cemented as an American classic until around the turn of the 20th century.
• The first recorded apple pie recipe was written in 1381 by the master cooks of King Richard II. This recipe was not the apple pie that we know today, but a type of apple tart that was cooked without a pastry crust. The recipe called for apples to be boiled with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and saffron, and then strained through a sieve before being mixed with eggs, cream, and sugar.
• The first apple pie recipe that included a pastry crust was published in 1589 by a Dutch author named Joridt Bont. This recipe called for a mixture of apples, sugar, and spices to be placed inside a pastry crust, which was then baked until golden brown.
• Apple pie made its way to America with the early colonists, who brought with them their traditional recipes and cooking methods. Apple pie quickly became a popular dessert in America, especially in New England, where apples were abundant and the climate was suitable for growing them.
• During the 19th century, apple pie became an important symbol of American identity and culture. The phrase “as American as apple pie” was coined during this time and has since become a well-known saying. Though the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, a 1928 New York Times article used it to describe the homemaking abilities of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.
• One of the most famous stories associated with apple pie is that of Johnny Appleseed, a legendary American folk hero who is said to have traveled across the country planting apple trees. While there is some truth to this story, it is believed to have been greatly exaggerated over time.
• According to the American Pie Council, nearly one-in-five Americans prefer apple pie over others, with 35% of those surveyed saying they have apple pie for breakfast.
• An article in The New York Times in 1902 proclaimed the apple pie as the “American synonym for prosperity”, with troops in the 20th century saying they were fighting for “mom and apple pie.” In 1999, Vermont deemed apple pie as its official state pie.
• During World War II, apple pie became a symbol of American patriotism and was often served to soldiers as a reminder of home. The US government even used apple pie in its propaganda efforts, with posters and advertisements featuring images of apple pie and the slogan “as American as apple pie”.
• Apple pie remains one of America’s most beloved desserts. (Today, apple pie is the most popular flavor in America, followed by pumpkin, chocolate, lemon meringue and cherry – according to the American Pie Council).
• In recent years, apple pie has even become a popular subject for competitive eating contests, with contestants trying to eat as many slices of pie as possible in a set amount of time. WATCH! :)))))

Steve’s Handy Tips On How To Enjoy the Day:
The great thing about apple pies is that they don’t have to be super complicated to make, so a person doesn’t need to be a master in the kitchen in order to rustle up a fantastic-tasting apple pie at home!  When making apple pie, here are some tips from the experts that might make the process go a bit more smoothly:

• Instead of using all the same type of apples, mix it up by combining some apples that are sweet and some that are tart. The result will be more flavorful and delicious!
• Many recipes call for brushing the outside of the crust with an egg wash after it is put together, but one expert tip is to brush the inside of the crust with an egg wash before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that keeps the apple juices from making the bottom crust soggy.
• Once the inside has its egg wash, take a few extra minutes to layer the apples into the crust, rather than simply dumping them in.

Steve’s Apple Pie Party Tips
The best way to do this is to get a few friends together and make a variety of apple pies using different recipes and baking methods. Try adding some adult beverages, like an apple pie cocktail.  Plus, there are many ways to make apple pies, so this is the perfect time to take the opportunity to try a recipe that puts a new spin on an old classic:

• Caramel Apple Pear Granola Cream Pie
• Savannah High Apple Pie (piled super high and topped with streusel)
• Individual Fried Apple Pies (more like hand pies, can be served on a stick)
• Spiced Bourbon and Cinnamon Apple Pie (now we’re talkin’)
• 35 recipe variations

Classic Recipe:  CLICK

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DO YOU LIKE CONTESTS?
Me, too.
As you may know the Kowalski Heat Treating logo finds its way
into the visuals of my Friday posts.
I.  Love.  My.  Logo.
One week there could be three logos.
The next week there could be 15 logos.
And sometimes the logo is very small or just a partial logo showing.
But there are always logos in some of the pictures.
So, I challenge you, my beloved readers, to count them and send me a
quick email with the total number of logos in the Friday post.
On the following Tuesday I’ll pick a winner from the correct answers
and send that lucky person some great KHT swag.
So, start counting and good luck!  
Oh, and the logos at the very top header don’t count.
Got it? Good.  :-))))
Have fun!!

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