While writing a recent recipe post, I was put in mind of Ritz Cracker Apple Pie – a Depression Era favourite my Mom used to make when I was very little. And it reminded me of another. Born of hard times, Flapper Pie seems elegant by today’s standards…
It’s a simple, custardy pie that you could probably whip up without a special trip to the grocery store. This Depression Era treat was extremely popular in the Canadian West, in the 1920s and 30s, when my Mom’s family arrived in Manitoba from Scotland. In spite of it’s ‘hard-times’ heritage, Flapper Pie seems elegant by today’s standards – both in its simplicity and its presentation…
The rambunctious-sounding name is apparently a reference to the flamboyant, flirty, fun-loving young women of the Roaring 20s. That may have been because its super-sweet, yet bright flavour might just move you to get up and dance!
You can make one anytime
… Because you should have all the ingredients you need front-and-centre in your pantry and fridge. And that includes the classic meringue topping!
All you need for the creamy custard filling is Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cornstarch and a dash of Vanilla.
Canadian Food Focus contributor Gabby Payton specifies a traditional Graham Cracker Crumb crust. But you could make it in a standard short pastry crust in a pinch.
This dish preps in 20 minutes or less, and bakes in just 30, thanks to the pre-baked crumb crust.
My take
Payton calls Flapper Pie ‘Canada’s Forgotten Dessert’. And she’s right. I haven’t had one in many de-cades. The last was one my Mom made – probably her last, too. It’s not even on traditional diner menus anymore.
And that’s a shame. What’s even more shameful, Canadian Cuisine has actually lost many traditional All-Canadian classics that went the way of Flapper Pie under the crushing influence of American cult-ure over the 20th Century…
So… I’m going to see if I can dig up some more Canadian culinary ‘lost masterpieces’ and revive them in this space in the near future!
~ Maggie J.