Books and cakes - 13

     I hadn't got far with Breathing Lessons when it became clear that the story wasn't going to provide much obvious inspiration for this month's Books and Cakes post, containing, as it does, snacks, ice-cream and whatnot, but not much 'real' food to speak of. However, in Nell's Grocery and Cafe, Maggie picks up a box of Ritz Crackers - "There used to be a kind of apple pie people made that contained no apples whatsoever, just Ritz crackers. What would that taste like, she wondered. It didn't seem to her there was the remotest chance it could taste like apple pie."

     Well, dear readers, I am here to tell you that Maggie was wrong! Going above and beyond the call of duty to bring books to life by means of their foodie content, I have made Ritz Mock Apple Pie, and confounding expectations, it is a great deal better than it sounds!

I used my usual shortcrust pastry recipe (6oz. plain flour, 4oz. butter, a pinch of salt, all combined to 'fine breadcrumbs' stage, then 2 tblsps water added and the dough left to chill for half an hour), filled the pastry case with broken crackers, made the syrupy mixture as directed, with Cheryl's most thoughtful gift of a set of measuring cups and spoons (see above) coming into their own! Then I put on the pastry top and baked it - for slightly too long, unfortunately, hence its well-fired appearance.

The result is quite incredible as it looks and tastes just like conventional apple pie, and even the sceptics in the family have been won over. I might put in slightly less lemon juice and increase the cinnamon another time, but as it stands it is very convincing indeed, and I'm amazed! No, it won't contribute to the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and with apples readily available there's no need to substitute crackers, but as a curiosity I'm glad I tried it and it suits the book perfectly.

Comments

[BooksPlease]

How amazing is that! I'm tempted to try it but right now I only have the cheese flavoured Ritz Crackers but that might work, d'you think? I won't be joining in the discussion on Breathing Lessons as I didn't manage to get the book but I'm looking forward to reading everyone's comments.

[Juxtabook]

How bizarre! I see from the link it is American, but it sounds like one of the war time work-arounds. Many of which are surprisingly good. Thanks for doing teh experiment for us.

[janey]

That is hard to believe but I read it on the internet so it must be true!! sorry to be a sceptic, I'll have to try this out just to satisfy my curiosity!!

[Rebecca]

I am as curious as I am appalled!

[Bridget]

Wow, I never knew anyone who actually tried the recipe. I'm more intrigued than ever now ...

[Daphne Sayed]

I can smell this. wow

[Barbara MacLeod]

Well I never ....! Having been brought up in Canadian apple growing country and with Ritz crackers often in my school lunch box, I had never heard of this! I am ON for Saturday book discussion.

[Terri - teelgee]

Oh that's so funny. I'd forgotten all about that faux apple pie! I never did try it, but was always tempted. Is the recipe still on the box?

[Tara]

I have always wondered about this recipe! Thanks for satisfying my curiousity!

[GeraniumCat]

Me too - I'd meant to Google it when I read that bit, and forgot all about it, so I'm delighted that you tried it. I think I'll stick to real apples, nonetheless!

[Karen]

I always marveled at that recipe for "mock apple pie" on the back of the box, but could never persuade my mother to try it. Of course, there WAS an apple orchard just across the road which may have influenced her thinking on the subject . . .