Can't you almost smell these apple pies cooling in the window? Apple Pie. . . .Grandmothers. . . .Love True Americana at it's best. I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. . . .Thinking about my Grandmother. . . . Back when baking was done with windows wide open, I could smell Grandmother's pies and cakes a block away. . . .When I'd get a whiff of her Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie, I made it a point to visit. . . . hoping for an opportunity for just a bite of pie before lunch. . . .Why was it so easy to talk a Grandmother into such a no-no? . . . .Remember how Mom's would say no sweets, 'It will ruin your lunch'. . . . . . . I can truly say, it never ruined mine! Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp Red Hot Apple Pie in a Mug Cinnamon Red Hot Apple Pie We Americans love pie. . . .There’s something magical about a buttery, flaky crust baked around a sweet filling. . . .Who doesn't love a slice of fruity goodness? . . .Are you drooling, yet? I have apples on my baking list for today. . . .I've been playing hooky for a couple of weeks. . . .Ran off to the Ozarks for a much needed break, leaving Boo and John alone to fend for themselves. . . .Feeling a little guilty. . . .Not much. . . .Only a little. . . .(grin). . . .While roaming the hills I ran into apples on sale. . . .Came home with several bags and a plan to pamper John just a tad. . . .Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie or Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp (both his favorites). . . .maybe Apple Jelly. . . .or an Apple Cake or two (I make several and freeze them). . . . So it was only natural that my thoughts were on Grandmother and her 'red hot' pie recipes. . .She added red hots not only to apple pies but also to peach pies and cobblers and her delicious fried pies. . . .Contrary to belief, adding red hots is not a new concept. . . .Cooks of the past knew first hand how well the red sugary treats melted during baking, adding a cinnamon-y flavor that couldn't be duplicated with regular pie spices. I laugh when I say ' Grandmother's recipe'. . . .because there is no recipe. . . .I learned by watching her. . . .and a few experiments of my own. . . .For you who aren't as adventurous, I've done a little online research for you and found many wonderful recipes at Just A Pinch Recipes . (links below photos) . . . .There's even one for Red Hot Pie in a Mug! If you like the more traditional apple pies--without red hots--here's a few recipes that sounded delicious, too. . . . Caramel Glazed Soft Apple Pie Sour Cream Apple Pie Ghee's Old Fashioned Apple Pie And, here's my version of Grandmother's pie recipe: Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Pie In a large bowl, combine 6 cups apples, cored and sliced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3/4 cup sugar 1/4-1/2 cup red hots 2 tablespoons flour Mix and let stand a few minutes, while you prepare your favorite two crust pastry. . . .or do as I do and buy 'Pillsbury" Ready Made. . . .(grin). . . .Roll one to fit into 9-inch pie pan. . . .Add apple mixture. . . .Dot with 2-3 tablespoons butter (yum). . . .Place second pastry on top, cutting slits for the steam to escape. . . .or weave strips of pastry to form a lattice top. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes, or until apples are tender. I can't end without sharing Grandmother's Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp. It is probably the easiest and our favorite. I've posted her recipe before, but just in case you missed it. . . . Deep Dish Candy Apple Crisp Now do I have you drooling? Ready to bake a little love for your family? It's as simple. . . .and as American. . . . as baking an Apple Pie! What else can I say? Oh, yeah. . . .There is one more thing. . . . Don't forget to leave the window open! . . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .
