As American as Apple Pie

In addition to the Bible and 3Rs, this year we are going through a literature-based world geography unit study called Galloping the Globe. It's been a wonderful journey so far, especially due to our participation in an online discussion group with other "Globe Trotters." We started out in August learning about basic map skills and reading about explorers Leif Eriksson and Christopher Columbus. Our favorite books were the D'Aulaire biographies.

We then did a one month overview of the United States. During our U.S. study, we read books about three Presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and George W. Bush. Did you know that George Washingon only had two of his own teeth when he became President? It's true; his false teeth were made of hippo ivory! This led to a good discussion about dental hygiene.

After the kids giggled over the Barney Cam, Jonathan decided to write a letter to President Bush:

President George W. Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush,

I am Jonathan. I am almost 7 years old and live in California. I am learning about Presidents in my homeschool. Your dog Barney is very cute. I am going to be praying for you.

God bless you,
Jonathan

Alan ("Dad"), always looking for a reason for us to make his favorite foods, said that a study of the U.S. wouldn't be complete without our baking an apple pie. I like to bake, but this idea gave me pause. Our favorite apple pie recipe comes from the cookbook, Rose's Celebrations, by Rose Levy Berenbaum. It's scrumptious, but it is also very time consuming to make. The flaky cream cheese crust is a bear to roll out. I usually enlist Alan's help with the dough because I just don't have the necessary upper body strength. If it's hard for me, I know it would be impossible for the kids.

(This pie is worth the effort, though. We always make one for Thanksgiving along with a pumpkin pie. One of Rose's helpful tricks with pie dough is to roll the pie crust between two pieces of Saran wrap or waxed paper. This prevents the dough from sticking to your rolling pin and board.)

Then I came across another apple pie recipe in the Penzeys catalog. I wasn't looking for another recipe, but when I read this:"The sugar cookie pie crust is quite easy, great for beginning crust makers. It isn't flaky, so the ingredients don't have to be icy cold or carefully handled. The crust is easy to roll out and get into the pan in one piece, and has a wonderful sweet flavor that children love, especially when topped with cinnamony apple bits"; I knew we had to make it for our U.S. study finale.

The recipe was easy. We made it in two stages: the dough one day, the filling the next. The kids had no problem rolling out the pie crust. I had a bit of trouble with the lattice top due to the dough getting soft and breaking, but it ended up looking okay. Into the oven the pie went. When it came out of the oven, the three kids, jumping up and down with glee, had to muster every ounce of self-control not to touch the hot pie. "Is it cool yet?"

Three kids + Six apples = One apple pie

Daniel rolls out the pie crust

Don't look too closely at the lattice top!

Voila! The finished pie!

When it was finally time to eat the pie, Jonathan looked anxiously at Alan as he took the first bite. The other pie recipe might be flakier and tastier, but when Jonathan asked, "Daddy, is this the best pie you've ever eaten?" Alan grinned at his little baker and replied honestly, "Yes, it is!"

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8