Fresh Twists on American Apple Pie

Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nothing shouts 'America' louder than apple pie.
Nothing shouts 'America' louder than apple pie.

Nothing shouts 'America' louder than fresh baked apple pie. From Galas to Granny Smiths, from Pippins to Pink Ladies, Americans celebrate the apple like no others. Now you can show your patriotism with these innovative twists on what has become an American icon.

For an Elegant Dinner - Apple Pie Puffed Pastry Bites

There's no reason apple pie can't be sophisticated and elegant. This gourmet version of an American classic is a classy twist on the dessert and the perfect ending to an elegant dinner. (Makes two servings)

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1" cubes.

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 - 7" squares puff pastry

Directions:

1. Toss prepared apple cubes in lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain.

2. Add apples, butter, sugar and cinnamon in heavy pot over medium low heat. Cook until apples soften and syrup is bubbly and thick.

3. Place 2-4 apple cubes in a ramekin or mini muffin tin, fill with syrup.

4. Place a piece of puffed pastry on top of each dish, securing and trimming edges.

5. Bake according to puff pastry package directions.

6. Serve warm.

For a Casual Gathering - Apple Pie Pudding

What better way to celebrate Memorial Day or the Fourth of July than with this patriotic twist on an old southern favorite. (Makes several servings)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided into 1/2 and 1/4 cup portions

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Dash salt

3 eggs

3 cups whole milk

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 box vanilla wafers

8 cups diced Delicious apples, peeled and tossed in a mixture of 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to coat

Pinch cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Separate egg whites from yolks; set whites aside.

2. Put water in bottom of double boiler and bring to a boil. In the top, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar with the flour, salt, and milk. Whisk in egg yolks and put on top of double boiler.

3. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and reaches 170 degrees. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla and set aside.

4. While custard is cooling, alternate layers of cookies and apples in a large oven-proof glass dish, ending with a layer of cookies.

5. Once the custard has cooled, carefully pour over layered cookies and apples. Use the blade of a knife to make holes that allow custard to flow in between layers and fill dish.

6. Make a meringue with the eggs whites, 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tarter. Spread over top of pudding. Brown meringue on the bottom shelf of oven set to broil. Cool and serve.

For a Fancy Breakfast - Apple Pie Pancake Rollups

What could be more American than serving apple pie for breakfast? These quick and easy rollups will have the whole family asking for more. (Makes four servings)

Ingredients:

Prepared pancake batter (enough for four pancakes)

2 cups diced apples, peeled

1 cup butter

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare the apple pie filling by mixing apples, sugar and butter in heavy pot over medium low heat. Cook until apples are tender and set aside.

2. Make 4 large, thin pancakes.

3. Spread 1/4 of the apple pie filling on top of each pancake. Roll up and place seam side down on warmed plate.

4. Serve hot with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Content by Cherri Megasko.