How ’bout them apples

Autumn is almost here and so are apples. Below is an apple pie recipe from the Civil War era to help you enjoy the season.

Apple Pie

Ingredients:

Filling
8 medium-sized apples
1 Tbsp butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup culinary rose water
A little grated nutmeg

Crust
1/2 cup butter
2 cups flour
Pinch of salt
Cold water
1 egg

Instructions:

Core the apples, chop coarsely and stew until softened — about 15 minutes. When done, add the butter, sugar, rose water, and nutmeg, and mix well.

Prior to making the apple filling, make the dough. Rub the butter into the flour, add the salt and mix in enough cold water (a few tablespoons at a time) to make a nice dough. Roll out enough dough to line a deep pie dish. Line the dish with the dough and fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the remaining dough and cover the dish. Glaze with beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes in a moderate oven (375° F).

Source: William C. Davis, The Civil War Cookbook (Philadelphia, CLB Pubishing, 1993), p. 30.

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