On the Fourth of July, you might host or attend a cookout that serves hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, potato salad, chips, and apple pie. Traditions say these are among some staple holiday items on the picnic table.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Congressional Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, making a decision to break away from England. However, it wasn’t until July 4, 1776, the document was dated and printed. The representatives from the British colonies met in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration and birth the independent country.

In 1775, George Washington agreed to become the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He refused to accept a salary for the position but did want to be reimbursed for his expenses. His record keeping was meticulous. On July 4th, 1776, the newly signed document was just the start of the birthing process of the new country. The Revolutionary War raged on until Britain finally agreed to accept the United States as an independent country in 1783.

We attend parades and splash in the pool on the Fourth of July in celebration, but the Fourth of July looked much different for many of those first years. Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence since he was in New York, commanding the Continental Army, while the Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia. For us, it’s a day off work; for Washington, it was one foot in front of the other, progressing forward. According to his detailed documentation, Washington bought a broom on July 4, 1776. It cost him six pence, which is about eight cents.

Meanwhile, on that first fourth, John and Abigail Adams sat down at their dinner table for turtle soup, salmon, green peas, boiled potatoes, and apple pandowdy. The apple pie variation first appeared in colonial days, but Americans have kept the apple pie tradition alive.

While doing your holiday grocery shopping, add a broom to your cart for a little history lesson. Try the apple pandowdy. With each bite, remember the sacrifices made by so many generations that came before us so that we can celebrate this holiday.

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

 

Apple Pandowdy Recipe

This homemade apple cobbler recipe will be a guaranteed favorite in your house. It’s also a fun opportunity to step back in time and taste what others ate throughout history. 

The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the flour with gluten-free flour. You can even make it dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and nut milk.

Ingredients:

·         4 c. apples, peeled and sliced 

·         1/3 c. brown sugar

·         2/3 c. white sugar

·         2-1/2 c. flour

·         1 c. milk 

·         1 egg

·         1/2 tsp. salt

·         1-1/4 c. butter

·         3 tsp. baking powder 

·         3 tsp. cinnamon

·         1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg

 

Directions:

1.    Preheat oven to 350°. 

2.    Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. 

3.    Using a 9” baking dish, lay apples on the bottom. 

4.    Mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg, and sprinkle on apples.

5.    In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg. Continue mixing, alternately adding flour and milk, making a stiff batter. 

6.    Turn out mixture onto apples, spreading evenly. 

7.    Bake for 50 minutes or until golden.

8.    Enjoy!