Celebrates not only the joys of good eating but also our deep personal associations with our most iconic food. Takes on a dish that contains more emotional resonance than almost any other American food. The author illuminates the history and lore of apple pie, from its English origin to its ubiquitous presence in home kitchens and truck stops across the country. In his quest to understand the meanings and the incarnations of this dish — and thus, America itself — he travels from the land of Disney to the White House, eating and talking with back-to-the-land hippies in Vermont and apple orchardists in Washington state. And when he s done, he emerges with a great story, as well as the 15 essential recipes for our most beloved dish. Illustrations.