Apple Dumpling Pie

     My granddaughter Lily and I like going to museums. Last summer we went to Rocky Mount Museum and Living History Site. This is in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The first Governor of the Tennessee territory lived on this site while his mansion was being built. There are costumed interpreters on the farm to talk to visitors. The farm itself has been restored to its 1791 circa original state. There is the farm house, separate kitchen and a couple of barns. You might see a blacksmith at work or tour the heirloom vegetable garden or go to the barn and play with their sheep.
     We visited while Lily was on spring break from school. The local schools were in session so we were the only visitors for most of the morning. This was good since the interpreters had a lot of time to talk to us and answer our questions. Of course Lily likes to get a souvenir or two. I also got a souvenir. I got one of my favorite things, a cookbook! The book is OLD-TIME FARMHOUSE COOKING a book of Rural American Recipes & Farm Lore by Barbara Swell.
      I found a recipe this week that I wanted to try, Apple Dumpling Pie. I was curious to try the technique from this 1930s cookbook. The apples were peeled, cored and left whole. It also called for apple cider syrup and gave a recipe to make the syrup. My thanks goes to my friend Dean who has given me many gallons of fresh apple cider over the years. I used the cider he provided to make the syrup. The apples were set in the pie plate whole, syrup was poured on the apples and the cores were stuffed with pecans and dried cherries. A little cider was poured in the pie plate and a crust was layered over the top and vent holes cut above each apple core. I was very pleased with the outcome. One apple with crust is a serving. The pie held eight apples of the size I had. A little ice cream didn't hurt either!
     I understand Barbara Swell teaches cooking at the John Campbell Folk School another destination I have wanted to experience. I may have to put it on the short list. If you have a chance to try this technique you shouldn't be disappointed.

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