It’s Rumored James Dean Wanted This for His Last Meal

Picture this: the year is 1955, and heartthrob James Dean is at the pinnacle of his career. As the rumors swirl, it was reported James Dean’s last meal was when he stopped at a restaurant for a slice of all American Apple pie and glass of cold milk. Now, who are we to question the culinary choices of such an icon? So, buckle up as we take you through a journey of recreating James Dean’s rumored last meal, the classic apple pie.

Unraveling Dean’s Apple Pie Desire

James Dean, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause,” was known for his rebellious image and love for speed. However, when it came to food, it seemed he preferred the simple pleasures of life. It’s said that his last meal request was a humble yet delicious apple pie.

Apple pie, a classic American dish, is a fitting choice for the quintessential American actor. The comforting flavors of sweet apples and cinnamon wrapped in a buttery pastry can warm any heart, just like Dean’s performances.

Tip: When making apple pie, choose apples that are sweet yet tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Assembling the Perfect Pie

A perfect apple pie starts with a flaky and buttery crust. The key is to keep your ingredients and tools cold, ensuring that the butter doesn’t melt before baking. This results in a crust that’s tender and flaky, providing the perfect base for our apple filling.

For the filling, combine thinly sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and gives the pie a delightful tang.

Tip: To achieve thin and even apple slices, use a mandoline slicer. You can find a range of options here.

Baking the Pie

Once the pie is assembled, it’s time to bake. Start at a high temperature to set the crust, then lower the heat to allow the apples to become perfectly tender. The result? A pie with a golden crust and a filling that’s sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy.

It’s crucial to let the pie cool before slicing to allow the filling to set up. This makes for clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.

Tip: Don’t have a pie dish? Don’t worry. You can find the perfect one here.

Now that you’ve learned the secrets of making James Dean’s rumored last meal request, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and experience the joy of baking this classic apple pie. Who knows, you might just feel the spirit of the iconic star guiding your culinary journey.

Classic Apple Pie

Course: DessertCuisine: American

Servings

8

slices

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

320

kcal

Recreate James Dean’s rumored last meal with this delicious and comforting classic apple pie recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

• 1/2 cup ice water

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour and butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, stirring until dough comes together. Divide dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are fully coated.
• Roll out one half of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Pour apple mixture into the pie crust. Roll out the second half of the dough and place on top of the apple filling. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush top crust with beaten egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Allow pie to cool before slicing.

Notes

• Always use cold butter for the pie crust.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Q: What type of apples should I use for apple pie?
A: Use apples that are sweet yet tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of flavors.

Q: Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the pie crust ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Q: How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: To prevent a soggy bottom, start baking at a high temperature to set the crust, then lower the heat to cook the filling.

Q: Why should I let the pie to cool before slicing?
A: Letting the pie cool before slicing allows the filling to set up, making for clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.