The phrase “as American as apple pie” refers to things that are quintessentially American. Apple pie represents the traditional values and wholesome comforts of home and family in American culture. But where did this association come from, and what does the phrase “apple pie” mean when used in slang?
Origin and History
Apple pie has been eaten in America since the first British colonists arrived in the 17th century. The early colonists brought apple seeds with them and found Native American apple varieties to cultivate as well. Pies were a popular baked dish because they were inexpensive, stored well, and provided nourishment. By the 1800s, apple pie was being called “an American institution.”
An early recorded use of the phrase “as American as apple pie” is found in the 1920s. It gained widespread popularity after World War II. American soldiers fighting overseas were said to be longing for the simple comforts of home, like mom’s apple pie. The phrase came to represent American cultural values like family, community, and hard work.
Meaning and Usage
When something is described as “American as apple pie,” it means:
– It is traditional, longstanding, or well-established in American culture. For example, baseball and fireworks displays are as American as apple pie.
– It represents cherished American values like patriotism, honesty, or hospitality. For example, democratic elections are as American as apple pie.
– It is wholesome, simple, and comforting. For example, a farmer’s market with fresh baked pies is as American as apple pie.
The phrase is often used in a positive, prideful way to describe things that are distinctively American. However, it can also be used in a critical way. For example, one could say that rampant consumerism is unfortunately as American as apple pie to critique materialism in American culture.
Apple Pie in Slang
In slang, the phrase “apple pie” by itself can refer to something stereotypically American, especially traditional values or “Middle American” culture. For example:
– “She’s into baseball and apple pie values like God and country.”
– “That politician is pandering to voters with apple pie rhetoric about family values.”
It can also refer to innocent, PG-rated, or puritanical American culture, often with a negative connotation. For example:
– “Their policy platform is as wholesome and apple pie as can be.”
– “That apple pie movie has no sex, drugs, or violence in it whatsoever.”
The phrase “à la mode” meaning “with ice cream” is sometimes appended to mock this wholesome image. For example:
– “The sitcom portrays an idealized 1950s family, apple pie à la mode.”
History and Origins of Apple Pie
Early History
Apple pies and tarts have existed since medieval times in Europe. The earliest known apple pie recipe dates back to 1381 in England. The first known published apple pie recipe appeared in The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin in 1588. English and Dutch colonists likely brought these early apple pie recipes and traditions with them when they settled in America.
Apples were abundant in the New World, with colonists planting apple seeds and orchards across the colonies. Pie crusts were relatively simple to make with lard or butter. Colonial housewives soon gained a reputation for their apple pies. Pie was an economical dessert that made use of local ingredients. It also preserved apples for longer periods during the winter.
19th Century America
By the early 19th century, apple pie was considered one of the most popular American desserts. Cookbooks featured multiple recipes for apple pies and apple tarts. Dutch apple pie, with cinnamon and lemon juice, was one pioneering recipe from this era. Apple pie was a dessert served at home and at community events.
As American culture spread westward, apple pie baking contests became a staple at state and county fairs. The classic pairing of “apple pie and cheese” also grew popular during this time. Melting cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of hot apple pie was considered the height of culinary sophistication.
20th Century Cultural Symbol
Apple pie cemented its reputation as the all-American dessert in the early 20th century. Newspaper articles declared it “the flavor that makes American bake ovens famous.” World War II played a major role in popularizing the patriotic phrase “as American as apple pie.”
Soldiers overseas longed for the comforts of home cooking. Apple pie symbolized the idyllic American home front. In the postwar era, apple pie defined wholesome, family-friendly Americana in pop culture. Presidents and celebrities were photographed eating apple pie to cultivate a relatable, down-home image.
Regional American Styles of Apple Pie
Northeastern
Northeastern apple pie is known for its sweet-tart flavor and flaky crust. Northeastern bakers tend to use firm, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, Rhode Island Greening, and Northern Spy. They flavor the filling with lemon juice or zest. The pie dough is often made with lard or butter for flakiness.
Southern
Southern apple pie tends to be sweeter and spiced. Bakers often use softer, sweeter apples like Golden Delicious along with firmer Granny Smiths. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add warmth. The pie crust is classically made with lard or bacon fat for a unique savoriness. Bakers sometimes top the pie with streusel, biscuit dough, or cheddar cheese.
Midwestern
Midwestern apple pie is designed to highlight the apples. Crisp, juicy apples like Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and McIntosh are lightly spiced to let their flavor shine. Midwestern pie dough is flavorful too, with butter or lard and a touch of vinegar. An egg wash gives the crust a golden sheen. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream are classic Midwestern apple pie à la mode accompaniments.
Western
Western apple pie recipes take cues from all over America. Their filling contains a blend of sweet and tart apples, like Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Gravenstein. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. The crust is flaky and buttery. And the pie is often served warm with melty cheddar cheese or a scoop of ice cream on top.
Apple Pie Baking Tips
Choosing Apples
A mix of apple varieties gives apple pie the best texture and flavor. Sweeter types like Fuji or Golden Delicious break down into a silky filling. Firmer, tarter apples like Granny Smith maintain their shape and provide tart contrast. Good apple pie combines 4-6 lbs of apples – some sweet, some tart, some soft, some firm.
Preparing Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning. You can also prevent oxidation by boiling apple slices for 5 minutes in water with lemon juice and cinnamon, then draining.
Flavorings
Spices, lemon, butter, and vanilla are classic apple pie flavorings. For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the apples with butter and cinnamon before baking. Brown sugar, maple, honey, or preserves also pair nicely with apples.
Thickener
For a bubbly, thick filling, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour into the apples. Quick-cooking tapioca also helps hold the filling together. Avoid over-thickening with too much starch.
Pie Crust Tips
Keep the dough chilled to prevent sticking and over-mixing. Mix by hand using a pastry cutter or fork until the dough forms large clumps. For flakiness, use a combination of fats (butter/shortening/lard). Brush egg wash onto the top crust before baking for sheen.
Prevent Sogginess
Vent the top crust by cutting steam slits or shapes before baking. Bake the pie on a baking sheet to prevent juices from leaking. For a crisper bottom crust, pre-bake it before adding filling. Sprinkle pie crust edges with sugar to prevent burning.
Storage
Store apple pie loosely covered at room temperature up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze apple pie up to 4 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cultural Significance of Apple Pie
Symbol of America
Apple pie represents the ingenuity of early American settlers making use of local apples. It epitomizes colonial American cooking – practical, thrifty, and homey. Apple pie also symbolizes American farming, hard work, and family life. The aroma of apple pie evokes nostalgia for traditional Americana.
American Values
Apple pie is associated with American values like community, pioneering spirit, and hospitality. Sharing apple pie represents friendship and caring for neighbors. Its round shape mirrors American egalitarianism – ever expanding opportunity and inclusion. Apple pie expresses the merits of simplicity, honesty, and modesty.
Pop Culture and Politics
Apple pie is invoked frequently in American pop culture and politics. It can represent both small town virtue as well as cultural naiveté and narrow-mindedness. Apple pie connotes wholesome traditional values but also conformity. Politicians “pose” with apple pies to seem down-home and relatable. Overall, apple pie touches both the pride and skepticism Americans feel regarding their culture.
Famous Quotes About Apple Pie
“Of apple pie and cheese, if you please, Of apple pie and cheese?” – Nursery rhyme, 18th century
“As American as apple pie” – Common phrase coined in the 1920s
“A cheeseburger and apple pie with a baseball game is practically all I’m interested in in life.” – Kim Kardashian
“This speaks very well for the independence of American farming families. Apple pie is even more flavorful when you can eat it in an orchard overlooking the land that produced the apples.” – Scott Hamilton
“Baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet: that’s un-American?” – Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa
| Type of Apple Pie | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Northeastern | Flaky crust, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith |
| Southern | Sweet filling, soft apples, lard crust, spices |
| Midwestern | Buttery crust, crisp juicy apples, subtle spices |
| Western | Flaky crust, blended apple varieties, served à la mode |