Dutch apple pie (Hollandse appeltaart)

Threading Together

The one thing I still miss after many years living outside Holland is Dutch apple pie. Especially after a bike ride and with a nice strong coffee.
But, how Dutch is this pie really? Not very, as it turns out. Apples originated in Central Asia, cinnamon came from Sri Lanka and raisins from the Middle East. So outlines of these countries are painted on the plate in between the usual decorations, after a Delft blue plate that was on the wall at my grandparents flat. Is it truly Dutch? Who knows!

(Nienke Eernisse)