Monday, October 4, 2010

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople


Michelle's version of Apple Pie by Grandma Ople


No, it's not Friday. I had to decide whether to share the story about my very first apple pie or the story that happened to us on Saturday afternoon when a contractor for the gas company showed-up, turned off our gas, dug a hole, pulled a nozzle off the gas line, and left. And never came back. Did I mention I had a roast in the oven at the time? Or that our house and hot water are heated by gas? Yep. Oh, and that the gas company doesn't work on Saturday? Yep. It was quite lovely. Mr. Wonderful was tested a little beyond his limits that day. Poor guy. The kids and I took the roast and headed to my sister-in-love's house where we stayed until almost 10 o'clock that night. We all had a great time together. Unfortunately, Mr. Wonderful didn't.

I decided the apple pie was a better story.

It was almost a year ago I learned from my Auntie Lou how to make a pie crust. It changed my life! Well, you know what I mean. When I saw Johnagold apples on sale last Friday, I just grabbed some, headed home, and made my very first apple pie. I would never, ever, ever have considered this a year ago. Me? Pie crust? Sworn enemies. But no more.

I usually change something in most recipes I find. I like to make them my own and feel very comfortable publishing them here. This recipe, however, didn't need a thing changed, not that I was in any position to change anything. I've never made an apple pie before. So, instead of posting the recipe here (since it's copyrighted on Allrecipes), I am going to give you the link. It's called Apple Pie by Grandma Ople.

It's as simple as that. Really. The only thing I will do differently next time is to be sure the liquid is poured evenly over the entire lattice of the crust. It's so pretty. You can see where I missed some of the lattice. I'll do better next time. The pie was fabulous. Mr. Wonderful thought it was the best apple pie he'd ever had. The smell of apple pie baking in the oven was almost as good as the pie!

Here's a comment left by the granddaughter of Grandma Ople:

My words from 2008 still hold true today. My little grandmother (and I do mean little - not more than 4' 11") would wonder what all the fuss is about - this is her recipe. Thanks to all who have commented on this little guardian angel's recipe developed years ago in her kitchen as a treat for my dad who took care of her yard and garden after my grandfather died. I am still in awe of the number of you that have tried my Grandma Ople's recipe for apple pie and love it so much. Now that she has been gone almost 15 years there seems to be less and less of her to hold on to and to pass along to her great granchildren (and great-great grandchildren) who will never know her. Some might say that having originated a delicious apple pie recipe is not much of a legacy, but when I read the reviews and notes of those who have tried her recipe, and the settings and family gatherings at which they have shared her pie, I can truly say that God has worked through my Grandmother to help bring families joy and love. Thank you all for your comments about my Grandmother's favorite recipe. Rebecca Clyma Proud Grand-daughter of Grandma Ople.

Thank you Grandma Ople. Your pie has brought our family joy and love!



P.S. I know I shared the gas story too. At least a little bit of it. The shock and awe part!

5 comments:

  1. Hello Michelle,

    This is my first time visiting your lovely blog, and since it is lovely, I will be sure to come back for visits in the future. :)

    At any rate, I am sorry that your gas-line got disconnected, ugh! I'm sure that wasn't a very pleasant thing to experience. It's a good thing that your sister-in-love was near-by for you to finish roasting your meat.

    Also, the picture of your apple pie looks lovely! This is your first one? I'm still a bit skeptical about pie crust. Maybe one day, I will be brave enough to make a real pie. :)

    Well, I think I have typed enough. You can visit me at my blog if you would like.

    Blessings to you.

    -Lady Rose

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  2. Hello Lady Rose!

    I don't know how you happened upon my little blog, but I'm glad you left your calling card. I spent just a little bit of time at your beautiful blog and am looking forward to the next time already.

    To answer your question, this was my first apple pie, but not my first pie. Almost one year ago, I went from fear and trembling to confident pie crust maker and pie baker all in one afternoon thanks to my Auntie Lou. I think it would be nice if all Keepers of the Home could learn how to bake and present a lovely pie. What joy pie baking has brought into my life! I have discovered that pies make wonderful gifts.

    Thank you for spending time here, Lady Rose.

    Fondly,
    Michelle

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  3. Hi Michelle,

    I’m sure at the time, your gas crisis was horrible but it’s something that you can now look back on and laugh at.(They did eventually turn off the gas, right?)

    Your pie looks great. I checked out the link. I haven’t had much success with pie crust either but I think I may try again.(Thanks for sharing it)

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  4. Opps, I meant: They did eventually turn on the gas, right?

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  5. Hello Debbie!

    Well, the gas crisis wasn't really that horrible for me. I didn't have to make the phone calls to the gas company and then wait around for hours before someone showed up. Poor Mr. Wonderful got stuck doing all that. They eventually came back and finished the job. I think it took about seven hours. At least it wasn't snowing!

    I will try and write a post explaining what my aunt taught me about making a pie crust. Or maybe I can find a video out there. It's hard explaining in words. It's best to "Watch one. Do one. Teach one."

    Happy pie baking!

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