Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was known for his quiet demeanor, strong sense of duty, and belief in limited government.
Despite his reserved nature, Coolidge had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, one of which was apple pie—a timeless, all-American dessert that perfectly reflects his New England roots and humble tastes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Coolidge’s life, his presidency, and his connection to apple pie. We’ll also share a traditional recipe that brings this iconic dish to your table.
Early Life and New England Roots
Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, a small, rural community that profoundly shaped his character and values. Raised in a family of farmers, Coolidge developed a strong work ethic and a deep respect for tradition and self-reliance.
These New England values would later influence his approach to governance and his belief in personal responsibility.
The Presidency: Prosperity and Prudence
Coolidge ascended to the presidency in 1923 after the sudden death of President Warren G. Harding. Known as “Silent Cal” for his reserved nature, Coolidge was a strong advocate for limited government intervention and fiscal conservatism.
His administration, which lasted until 1929, is often associated with the economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Coolidge’s policies focused on reducing taxes, balancing the federal budget, and encouraging business growth.
Coolidge’s presidency also saw the promotion of civil rights, particularly through his support of anti-lynching legislation, although the bills never passed Congress. His decision not to seek a second full term in 1928 reflected his belief in limited power and his desire to return to private life.
Legacy of Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge’s legacy is often viewed through the lens of his commitment to small government and his role in maintaining the economic boom of the 1920s.
While his presidency is sometimes overshadowed by the subsequent Great Depression, Coolidge’s personal integrity, belief in individualism, and his stewardship during a period of peace and prosperity remain important aspects of his time in office.
Calvin Coolidge’s Favorite Food: Apple Pie
Apple pie, a dish deeply associated with American tradition, was a favorite of Calvin Coolidge. Growing up in rural Vermont, Coolidge likely enjoyed homemade apple pie as part of his family’s regular meals. Apples were a staple crop in New England, and apple pie was a popular way to use this abundant fruit.
For Coolidge, apple pie represented more than just a dessert—it symbolized the simple, hardworking values of his upbringing. Throughout his life, Coolidge remained connected to his rural roots, and apple pie was a comforting reminder of home and the agricultural heritage that shaped his character.
As president, Coolidge continued to enjoy traditional American foods, with apple pie often featured at White House dinners. The dessert’s combination of sweet, spiced apples and flaky crust made it a fitting choice for a man who valued simplicity and tradition.
Apple Pie Recipe
Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Making the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one of the dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the pie dish, pressing it into the corners.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
Baking:
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
Serving:
- Serve the apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly classic dessert experience.
Video
Notes
- Choosing the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the pie. For a sweeter pie, try using Honeycrisp or a combination of both.
- Achieving a Flaky Crust: Make sure to keep the butter and water cold while making the dough. This helps create those desirable flaky layers.
- Enhancing the Flavor: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes the perfect complement to a warm slice of apple pie.