And truly…what’s more American than a McDonald’s apple pie? Well, that’s kind of a trick question. Ronald sells millions of these things around the globe—but, of course, they’re not apple pies at all. In the original formulation, they were more like Apple Egg Rolls—a wonderful deep-fried concoction, oozing fruity warmth out of its crunchy skin. The Company later decided to switch cooking methods on us, and today the “pie” is baked—which brings it closer to being a real apple pie but, strangely, doesn’t taste as good as the old one. Here’s a home-made version of the old one that I think you’re gonna love.
makes 6 “apple pies,” good for 6 servings
4 Golden Delicious apples
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
pinch salt
6 egg roll wrappers, preferably Golden Dragon brand
oil for frying
cinnamon sugar for coating (2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1. Peel and core apples, and cut into 1/4″ cubes.
2. Combine apple cubes with water, butter, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir to combine.
3. Cover saucepan and cook over low heat until apples are soft and syrupy, about 20 minutes. Cool.
4. Cut each wrapper in half, then trim each half to 2 3/4″ by 5 1/2″.
5. Place about 1/2 cup filling on one sheet of egg roll wrapper taking it to within 1/4″ of each edge. Moisten edge with water then lay another egg roll sheet on top. Seal edges. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Pour oil to a height of 3″ into a 3-quart saucepan. When it reaches 350 degrees cook pies, one at a time. Cook one side until golden, about 30 seconds, then turn and cook the other side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
