I Love The USA

America celebrates her birthday on July 4, also known as Independence Day. Common belief is that the Continental Congress declared independence from England on July 4, 1776, but it was actually July 2, 1776. The signing of the Declaration took place on August 2, 1776. The United States celebrates it's 234th birthday this year. Happy Birthday, America!

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Ingredients

* 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled cooking apples (about 2 pounds total)
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
* Dash ground nutmeg
* 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 2 to 3 tablespoons ice cold water
* Fat-free milk
* Frozen vanilla yogurt (optional)

Directions

1. Place apples in a 2-quart square baking dish.

2. In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside 1 teaspoon of the mixture. Stir the cornstarch and salt into the remaining sugar mixture; sprinkle evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

3. In a medium bowl stir together the flour and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the ice-water over part of the flour mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon at a time, until all the flour mixture is moistened. Form into a ball.

4. On a lightly floured surface, pat to flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edges into a 10-inch square. Cut decorative vents in pastry. Carefully place pastry over apples. Using the tines of a fork, press edges to sides of dish. Brush pastry with milk and sprinkle with the reserved sugar mixture.

5. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden. Serve warm. If desired, serve with frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Makes 8 servings.

If you prefer, you can add a bottom crust. Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425 degree F oven, then decrease oven temperature to 375 degrees F and bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Photo credit: iCLIPART.com.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

In the 1950s and 1960s we recited the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school. Today it is not allowed. I wonder why. There are many reasons given, but none that make sense to me. I don't understand how anyone can be offended by these words.

The World Cup is in full swing. Team USA is holding their own. There has been some extra media coverage about their last game which resulted in a draw instead of a win due to a controversial call by the officials.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. I wouldn't know because I don't follow it. I prefer my football via the NFL. But I do support Team USA!

Are you watching the World Cup? Is your country winning? I hope you are supporting them.

You can support Team USA with these products:




Just click on the product to purchase.

Photo credit: iCLIPART.com