as american as apple pie

But not really.


I'm still trolling for dessert recipes for the wedding reception, and my latest hunt has been focused on white chocolate. (Don't attack me, chocolate purists--I've gotta have variety!) Apples have also been lingering in the back of my mind, because really, who doesn't love an apple dessert? I truly would never consider combining the two in the same dessert (the only example that comes to mind is a candied apple), but I came across this recipe by Weevalicious and was intrigued. I pretty much demolished her version with my changes, so I'm including her source (good ol' Tartelette) as well. This is an amalgam of both, with a touch of my own flair, pizzazz, limited creativity, what have you.

The bars are actually quite delicious, if you like white chocolate. The bar part is a bit fudgy, while the apples on top are light and creamy. Plus, there's cinnamon involved. I'm thoroughly satisfied, but I don't think my version would do well for the reception. Too messy and awkward. However, they're perfect for scarfing down whilst standing over the sink.

Apple Pie Bars
6 tablespoons butter
8 oz white chocolate
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup baked apples (a la my grandpa)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease an 8 inch square baking pan.
Melt butter and white chocolate together in microwave or in top of double boiler over hot water. When melted, remove from heat and stir to blend well. Set aside.
Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Add white chocolate and butter mixture, vanilla, flour, and cinnamon. Beat just until smooth.
Pour into prepared pan and bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with baked apples. Spread evenly. Bake another 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out cake-free (a little apple is inevitable).
Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.


I happened upon this quote by Michael Owen Jones (no, I have no idea who he is) while this post was percolating and thought it was fun:

"To a foreigner, a Yankee is an American.
To an American, a Yankee is a Northerner.
To a Northerner, a Yankee is a New Englander.
To a New Englander, a Yankee is a Vermonter.
To a Vermonter, a Yankee is a person who eats apple pie for breakfast.”

Is it true? I can only vouch for statement #2.