Basic Apple Pie Recipe

Vice Presidents wife's Recipe 1975

Nostalgic Apple Pie Recipes

In the digital age, where recipe apps dominate, stumbling upon a webpage like this feels like unearthing a time capsule from the 1970s. This unassuming site, part of what appears to be a local Syracuse, New York, community resource, shares a collection of “Basic Apple Pie Recipes” drawn from an old rural cookbook compiled around 50 years ago. It blends simple, homey baking instructions with a touch of historical flair, including contributions from notable figures like the wives of U.S. presidents and vice presidents.

The star of the page is the “New York State Flat Apple Pie,” credited to Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, wife of the Vice President in 1975. This recipe emphasizes regional pride, calling for New York State apples, maple syrup, and sharp cheese. The crust is a straightforward mix of flour, butter, margarine, and ice water, rolled out thin and chilled for flakiness. The filling features 11-12 medium apples sliced into sections, sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then baked in a flat pan at varying temperatures (starting at 450°F, then down to 350°F). Finished with a drizzle of maple syrup and served warm with cheese, it’s a rustic twist on the classic pie, evoking autumn orchards and family gatherings.

Following that is the “Brown Bag Apple Pie,” a quirky method where the pie bakes inside a paper bag for an hour at 425°F. Using a standard unbaked pie shell, it layers apples with a sugary, nutmeg-spiced filling and a crumbly butter topping. The bag technique, fastened with a paperclip, promises a steamy, tender result—perfect for serving plain or à la mode.

Overall, this URL is a charming relic for baking enthusiasts or history buffs, offering easy-to-follow instructions that celebrate American heritage and local ingredients. If you’re craving a slice of nostalgia, it’s worth a visit—just preheat your oven first!

Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, Vice Presidents wife's Recipe 1975

New York State Flat Apple Pie

Instructions for New York State Flat Apple Pie

   Crust:Cut the butter and margarine into the flour with knife or pastry blender until like cornmeal. Add ice water gradually, and work in just enough to hold together. Roll out on board or Marble Slab (lightly floured) until 1 inch thickness and place in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Remove and again row, this time to 1/8 inch thickness. Use flat pan or baking sheet 15 x 10 cover with prepared crust.

Filling: Peel, core and cut each apple into six sections. Arranged in one layer on the cross in pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples, then sprinkle with lemon juice. Bake in oven which has been preheated to 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake another 30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with the New York state maple syrup, and serve while warm with a generous slice of New York State sharp cheese.

Brown Bag Apple Pie

Instructions for Brown Bag Apple Pie Recipe

   Pare, core and cut apples into eighths. Put in a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup suga,r two tablespoons of flour and nutmeg in cup. Sprinkle over apples, toss to coat well, spoon into pastry shell and drizzle with lemon juice. For topping combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup flour in bowl. Cut in butter and sprinkle over apples. Slide pie into brown paper bag. Fold over, twice, fastened with paperclip and place on cookie sheet. Bake in hot oven for 1 hour, split bag open. Remove pie and cool on rack. Serve plain or with ice cream. Makes one 9-inch pie.