Paper Bag Apple Pie
From my late mother's copy of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," August, 1975 [Toledo, Ohio]. This recipe submitted by Grace Marinelli, Secretarial Dept.
From my late mother's copy of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," August, 1975 [Toledo, Ohio]. This recipe submitted by Grace Marinelli, Secretarial Dept.
- Carbohydrate 1.85826500372297 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.39941 g
- Fiber 0.289799992689196 g
- Protein 0.122190000163931 g
- Saturated Fat 0.28534 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (16g)
- Sodium 0.328500000431398 mg
- Sugar 1.56846501103377 g
- Trans Fat 0.0748 g
- Calories 10 calories
Step-by-step
- Pare, core & quarter apples, then halve each quarter; place in a large bowl.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour & nutmeg in a cup; sprinkle over apples; toss to coat well; spoon into pastry shell; drizzle with lemon juice.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar & 1/2 cup flour for topping in a bowl; cut in butter or margarine & sprinkle over apples.
- Slide pie into a brown bag; fold open end twice, fasten with paper clips, place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake in a hot oven (425 degrees) for 1 hour. (apples will be tender & top bubbly & golden); split bag open, remove pie & cool on a wire rack.
- Serve plain or with cheese or ice cream.
Paper Bag Apple Pie: A Slice of Nostalgia
This recipe isn't just a pie; it's a time capsule. I found it tucked away in my mother's collection of recipes – a treasure trove of handwritten notes and yellowed pages, each one whispering stories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. This particular recipe, for Paper Bag Apple Pie, came from a 1975 edition of "Favorite Recipes of the Aetna Girls," submitted by a woman named Grace Marinelli. It's a testament to simpler times, a reminder of the resourcefulness and creativity that defined home cooking then.
The idea of baking a pie in a paper bag sounds unconventional, even slightly whimsical. But the magic lies in the simplicity. The brown paper bag acts as a kind of makeshift oven, creating a wonderfully moist and tender crust. The apples, infused with the warmth of the oven and the subtle sweetness of the cinnamon (I've made a slight personal modification – I replaced the nutmeg with cinnamon, and halved the topping ingredients, as the original recipe seemed excessive) bake to a perfect softness. It's a hug in a pie, a comforting taste of home that effortlessly conjures up memories of cozy kitchens and the comforting aroma of baking apples.
What makes this pie particularly special isn't just the nostalgic element, but the way it effortlessly blends rustic charm with delicious results. The apples, bursting with sweet juice, are enveloped by a flaky crust, all baked to perfection in the most unlikely of containers. The process itself, although unusual, is remarkably straightforward. No fancy equipment is required, making it accessible for every home baker, from the seasoned pro to the complete novice.
This pie transcends mere culinary creation. It's a connection to the past, a link to my mother and her own memories. It's a recipe that whispers of simpler times, of community, and of sharing. Every bite brings with it a wave of warmth and nostalgia – a comforting sense of home, a reminder of the love and care that went into crafting this recipe. It is a delightful reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes offer the most profound rewards.
More than just a pie, this is a legacy. It's a story carried on through generations, a taste of history, a symbol of enduring family connection. And it’s a recipe I'm thrilled to share, hoping it brings a little bit of that same warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
A Note on Adaptations: I've adjusted the topping slightly, reducing the amount of sugar and flour to create a less cloying, more balanced flavor profile. However, feel free to experiment and make it your own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your own preferences and available ingredients.
So, gather your apples, your simple ingredients, and your brown paper bag, and prepare for a baking adventure that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Enjoy!
