Apples
I look forward to this time of year, because here in Arizona, we have a brief window — about two weeks — when many varieties of cooking apples are available. Most of the time, all we get are Granny Smiths and Delicious. So I go nuts and make pies, dumplings, and mincemeat, and even try to freeze a few things! (Not much success with the freezing, though, usually everything I make gets eaten.)
One of the most frequently-asked questions on apple pies is this: why is it that a big pile of apples in a pie so often comes out with a big gap between fruit and crust?
Well, that’ s because those varieties of apples you use for baking have a lot of flavor that stand up well to heat, but the trade-off is that they cook down to mush. The way I avoid this is to use two kinds of apples, half “cooking” apples such as Macintosh or Jonathan, and half “eating ” apples, such as Red Delicious. The Red Delicious doesn’t have much flavor after cooking but maintains its volume. So the pie you put in the oven is the same pie you take out!
Now that there are going to be a confusing number of varieties of apples available, you might want to check these sites to see what kinds there are and what their best uses are.
Most states do produce some apples, but depending on where you live, these states distribute a significant amount to the nationwide market. If you live in the west, you’re most likely to have Washington apples, in the east, Maine or Michigan. I still think Michigan apples are the best, but I haven’t seen any for some time (sigh.)
October 23rd, 2006 at 6:49 pm
You forgot New York apples, they are the 2nd largest apple growing state!
http://www.nyapplecountry.com/varieties.htm
You haven’t had apple pie until you’ve made one with Mcintoshes!
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 pm
Mmmmm… gotta love apples. I am looking for some easy things to do for dinner with apples, I think my little one would eat more if I made it more appealing to a 5yr old. Got any ideas?
October 24th, 2006 at 2:05 am
nomasp: New York, huh? I had no idea! THX for the link!
Sonija: How about Red Delicious apples cut in wedges, served with a sprinkling of brown sugar (or colored sprinkles, if you’ve got ‘em) and a few raisins.