Apple pie conjures up good, wholesome food made by grandmothers and moms. There’s something so pleasing to the senses when a pie is baking in the oven. The aromas immediately say ‘welcome’.
I wonder, though, why the pie is made in a round plate and not a square. Is it because it’s easier to lift the pie out of a round dish? Or was it due to the fact that was all that was on hand many years ago? I am reminded of a story about a young mother who was roasting a chicken in a small pan. When asked why she used a small pan, too small for the chicken, she had no answer. She decided to ask her mother who also didn’t know why and decided to ask her mother. When asked she replied, “that’s the only pan I had”. Let’s start a new tradition and make apple pie in a jar! Why not? It’s easy to make, you don’t have to worry about making the perfect pie crust, it’s gluten-free friendly, kid friendly and I like the aesthetics of a jar. If you do like this idea, then click on the link where I made a chocolate cake in a jar.
Serves 4 to 6
adapted by Roost
2 cups pecans
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
homemade chunky applesauce
whipped cream
Pecans bathed in melted butter before going into the oven.
Preheat oven to 375F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. In a bowl add pecans and toss with melted butter. Pour buttered pecans onto the foil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Once you get past the 10 minute mark, keep an eye on them as the pecans can quickly turn too dark which will result in a bitter, burnt taste. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, place into a food processor and process until a course, crumbly meal forms.
Mix the apple varieties for an enhanced flavor.
Make the applesauce and then let it cool slightly before assembling. To assemble, add enough pecan crumbs to cover the bottom of the jar followed by applesauce. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle more pecan crumbs, if you like.
The Culinary Chase’s Note: For an exotic flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cardamom to the applesauce. This was so good I made it again the next day. I did thin layers (parfait style) and liked this look just as much. You decide. Enjoy!
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