The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Apple Pie recipe
Celebrate autumn with a slice of early American history
The abundant feast at the Van Tassels paints a vivid picture of early American life, complete with pies of every sort. From its colonial roots, when apples were plentiful, the classic apple pie has been a staple for centuries. Recreate the flavors of Sleepy Hollow with this classic apple pie recipe, perfect for any fall gathering.
Quote
“Fain would I pause to dwell upon the world of charms that burst upon the enraptured gaze of my hero, as he entered the state parlor of Van Tassel’s mansion. Not those of the bevy of buxom lasses, with their luxurious display of red and white; but the ample charms of a genuine Dutch country tea-table, in the sumptuous time of autumn. “
“”And then there were apple pies, and peach pies, and pumpkin pies…”
-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving
What is Apple Pie?
Apple pie is a classic baked dish consisting of a bottom layer of pastry filled with sliced apples, spices, and sugar, then topped with another layer of pastry. It’s a comforting dessert that evokes nostalgic memories of home for many people, and is a nod to the rich history of Dutch and early American baking traditions.
Ingredients
What Type of Apples Should I Use in Apple Pie?
For an authentic taste of colonial America, the Rhode Island Greening apple would have been a likely choice in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. However, today the Granny Smith apples are a widely available substitute, with a tart flavor and firm texture.
Origins
What Type of Apples Did Colonial America Have?
Apples played an important role in the New World, with orchards planted across the East Coast by settlers. The first apple orchards were planted in Massachusetts in 1625 from seeds brought over from England. During Washington Irving’s time, some of the most common apple varieties included:
- Roxbury Russet
- Esopus Spitzenburg
- Poughkeepsie Swaar
- Newtown Pippin
- Rhode Island Greening
Though apples were primarily grown for hard cider, the abundance of apples led to their use in a variety of dishes, including pies. It’s suggested that the popularity of apple dishes may have sparked the saying “As American as apple pie,” though this phrase is also linked to World War II.
What is the History of Apple Pie?
The all-American apple pie has roots that go back to the 1300s in England. By the 1700s, recipes for apple pie had evolved with the use of sugar and edible crusts, a major improvement from the 1300s, when crusts were used mainly as baking dishes and sugar was a luxury. The apple pies that Ichabod Crane would have enjoyed at the Van Tassel feast would have been quite similar to those we bake today
Sleepy Hollow Apple Pie recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Granny Smith apples peeled and cored
- 3/4 cup 150g sugar
- 1/3 cup currants
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup 57g butter
- Pie shell
Instructions
- Place the apple slices in the pie shell, then sprinkle a layer of sugar and a handful of currants on top. Repeat the layering process until all apples, sugar, and currants are used.
- Pour the orange juice over the apples and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Finish by topping the pie with a lattice or strips of dough, or use a solid pie crust with a hole in the center for ventilation.
- Bake at 500°F | 250°C (230°C fan forced) for the first 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F | 190°C (170°C fan forced) and continue baking for 45 minutes.
Video
References
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- Davidson, Alan., et al. The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press, 2014.
- http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/PieHistory/ApplePie.htm