As the Fourth of July soon approaches there are certain foods that you’ll see at almost any barbeque including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and apple pie. Apple pie has a long association with the US’ independence day. But do you know why this pastry is connected with the holiday? It turns out that apple pie was one of the first desserts made in America.
It dates back to when Americans gained independence from Britain and started distancing themselves from British culture including traditional English desserts like scones and bread pudding. Way back in the 1700s, newcomers from the Netherlands and Germany taught early settlers from an English descent how to make buttery crusts and the colonists filled them with sliced apples and spices which eventually became the dessert we know and love today. In 1796, in the first American cookbook, American Cookery, a recipe was published for apple pie. Like the Fourth of July, apple pie symbolizes America’s independence from Britain.
“As American as Apple Pie”
Chances are you’ve heard someone say “as American as apple pie,” but you probably weren’t aware where the term originated from. The phrase came from the folktale Johnny Appleseed, but it didn’t become popular until after World War II when it was common for soldiers to say they enlisted “for mom and apple pie.” Ever since it’s been used to describe anything patriotic.
