Mock Apple Pie

Ah, the quintessential All-American apple pie... EXCEPT IT HAS NO APPLES. I couldn't believe it when I first tried a bite, it was shockingly similar in taste, texture, and appearance. How wild is that?

With our current situation, it might be hard to get out of the house to buy fresh produce and that's where this recipe will come in handy. And if you're like me you can't pass up a chance to play a light prank on your family :)

I modified this recipe from this one by Kraft Canada

This recipe doesn't call for a lot.

You will need:

• 2 cups of water
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ground cinnamon to taste

and the magic ingredient that gives us texture and flavor:

• 30 Ritz crackers! (You can substitute for other brands of buttery snack crackers)

You will also need a pie crust. I made my own and used this "No-Roll Pie Crust" recipe but definitely use any crust recipe you like. Definitely feel free to use a store-bought pie crust for convenience! Many grocery stores are out of flour or other materials but the frozen foods section at my grocers is always stocked full with frozen pie shells.

Put your water, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan on medium-high heat and mix until dissolved. Let this syrup boil.

Add your ritz crackers and bring the heat down to medium and stir gently, incorporating the crackers into the mix. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add your lemon juice and your cinnamon powder to taste and give the filling a stir before turning off the heat.

Take your prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and pour your filling in.

My crust is extra thick because that's how my family likes our pies!

Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake your pie for 15 minutes.

Reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown.

Take your pie out of the oven and let cool for around half an hour to an hour.

Top with some whipped cream like I did and enjoy!

I topped my pie with a ritz cracker to clue my unsuspecting "victims" in. All of them were pleasantly surprised and had seconds!