Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: October 5th: National Apple Betty Day. When you’ve been around as long as I have you would think you’ve seen or tried most desserts but I haven’t ever seen or tried a Apple Betty. Have you?
National Apple Betty Day
We celebrate National Apple Betty Day on October 5th, to celebrate Apple Betty baked in Oats and Cinnamon. The American version (Brown Betty or simply Betty) is sometimes called a Cobbler, or Crumble, dates back to the Colonial period. The aroma of an Apple Betty fills homes with warmth even as the temperature plummets outside. The timing couldn’t be better; with tart Apples fresh off the tree almost begging to be used for this Autumn treat.
History of National Apple Betty Day
Betty is a traditional dessert in the United States. As the name Apple Betty implies, this dessert is usually made with Apples, while other recipes might us Pears or Berries. Did you know Brown Betty belongs to the same family as Apple Crisps and Cobblers. Sweetened crumbs are stuffed into the layers of baked fruit and served with Whipped Cream or Lemon Sauce.
The origin of Apple Betty is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Apple Betty is said to have evolved from the classic English Bread Pudding. According to “The Oxford Companion to Food,” Apple Betty gets its name from its creator an African-American woman of the same name. The “Brown” in Brown Betty is said to denote her skin color, having mixed racial origins.
Naming desserts after those who create them was a staple of Colonial times. The recipe consisted of Lemon Juice, Sandwich Bread, Brown Sugar, Granny Smith Apples, Butter, and Cinnamon. In 1864, Apple Betty made its first appearance in print when “Brown Betty” was mentioned in an article in “Yale Literary Magazine.”
Brown Betty is traditionally supplemented by cream-based sides such including Ice Cream or Whipped Cream. Mixed with the Apple flavor and Bread Crumbs, the Cream caps a delicious dessert that tastes just like heaven.
Brown Betty is the perfect addition to your lineup of holiday meals. Not only is brown Better wonderfully tasty, but it is also simple to make. Lovers of Apple Pies will love Brown Betty as it packs a delicious flavor.
How to Celebrate Apple Betty Day
- Purchase a Apple Betty from your local store and enjoy this dessert family. You can also whip up a batch yourself.
- Try out fun toppings for your Apple Betty. Including Lemon Sauce to Whipped Cream, there are lots of interesting flavors to add.
- Go online and search for new, creative recipes to add a fun twist. Invite familu over and share recipe ideas.
5 Facts About Apples
- Apple Betty is said to have been the dessert of choice of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
- Apples are among the world’s most cultivated tree fruits.
- Apples grow on small-sized deciduous trees.
- Apple trees were first discovered in Western Asia.
- Apples made their way into North America through European Colonists
Why People Love Apple Betty Day
- Apple Betty includes tons of healthy ingredients in its preparation. From Lemon to Apple itself, this dessert certainly has a healthy side.
- Rumor has it that a one-time resident of the White House loved Apple Betty for dessert.
- With lots of topping choices, there is so much you can do with Apple Betty including trying different flavor options.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
