Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009

Faux foods are as American as mock 'apple' pie

No matter what you may read in the next few paragraphs, remember this: A diamond anniversary is no mocking matter. Reaching the age of 75 is an achievement; to do it without changing much from the day you were born is this side of a miracle.

Such is the case for the classic American recipe known as the Ritz Mock Apple Pie, which first appeared on the back of the cracker box in 1934. This dessert is exactly what it says it is, a pie made out of Ritz crackers and a few other select ingredients, which together mimic the flavor of apple filling.

This recipe is adapted from one supplied by Kraft Foods. One of the most famous of mock recipes, this pie is meant to imitate the look of an apple pie, with a center that tastes more like a sweet lemon pie. You decide whether it mocks apple pie enough for your tastebuds.

RITZ MOCK APPLE PIE

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 3/4 cups water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie (divided)

36 Ritz crackers, coarsely broken (about 1 3/4 cups)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, cut into small pieces

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In medium saucepan, mix sugar and cream of tartar. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil over high heat; then reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes, until syrup is thickened and clear. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and zest. Cool.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Roll out half of pastry to 11-inch circle and use to line a 9-inch (regular-depth) pie plate. Place cracker crumbs in crust. Pour lemon syrup over crumbs, dot with butter or margarine pieces, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Roll out remaining pastry and cover pie. Seal edges and cut slits in top to allow steam to escape. Place pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Bake in preheated oven 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Allow pie to cool before serving. Makes 8 servings.

This is adapted from the first edition (1931) of "The Joy of Cooking." You will need an ice cream maker. This is an excellent ice cream -- and very close in flavor to real pistachio. Use only enough green coloring to tint the cream a faint lime color to mimic the look of pistachio.

MOCK PISTACHIO ICE CREAM

1 quart whipping cream (divided)

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 to 4 drops green food coloring

The night before you want to make ice cream, place bucket from ice-cream maker in freezer.

In saucepan, heat 1 cup whipping cream over low heat and add sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves completely, about 8 minutes. Cool and transfer to a large bowl or juice container.

Add remaining cream, vanilla, almond extract, salt and green food coloring until well combined. Chill mixture at least 2 hours.

Make ice cream according to manufacturer's directions for your ice cream maker. Process ice cream up to 30 minutes, or until it has reached desired firmness. Makes 8 servings.