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What Makes Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings Unique
Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is a celebrity chef, Food Network personality, full-time mom and ranch wife known for her simple and delicious home-cooked meals. Her recipes focus on everyday comfort foods that are perfect for feeding an entire household. One of her signature recipes is her Apple Dumplings, which have a unique twist that sets them apart from traditional apple dumplings.
A family recipe with a twist
Ree Drummond’s apple dumpling recipe has a special origin. It was passed down to her from her mother’s friend Donna. Drummond revealed on her blog that she may have accidentally misplaced her mother’s recipe notebooks during a visit to the ranch, causing her mother to leave without them. However, deep within the pages of those recipe binders was an email from Donna containing the recipe for apple dumplings that Drummond decided to share with the world.
Unexpected ingredient: Mountain Dew
What makes Ree Drummond’s apple dumplings truly unique is the unexpected ingredient she adds to the recipe: Mountain Dew. Yes, you read that right! Drummond’s recipe calls for a 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew in addition to the usual baking ingredients. While it may sound unusual at first, adding soda to baked goods is not unheard of, and it can actually yield interesting results.
The fizzy chemistry of Mountain Dew, combined with its citrus flavor, serves to complement the tartness of the Granny Smith apples used in the recipe. The soda also adds a seltzer-like spring to the dough, making the dumplings light and airy. It’s important to note that the Mountain Dew is not mixed into the dough, but poured mostly on the outside of the crescent rolls and along the edges of the baking pan.
The Preparation Process
Ree Drummond’s recipe for Apple Dumplings follows the standard protocol for homemade apple dumplings. To make these delicious treats, you will need a handful of Granny Smith apples, Pillsbury crescent rolls, butter, sugar, spices (such as cinnamon), and, of course, a can of Mountain Dew.
The first step is to butter a baking dish and then slice the apples. The sliced apples are rolled tightly into the crescent rolls for a delightful combination of sweet, tart and flaky textures. The dumplings are then topped with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon and baked to perfection.
The Mountain Dew comes into play just before the dumplings are placed in the oven. By pouring the soda mostly on the outside of the crescent rolls and along the edges of the dish, it creates a crispy crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dessert. The result is a unique and delicious apple dumpling that the whole family will love.
BOTTOM LINE
Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings are a testament to her talent for creating simple and comforting recipes that are perfect for family meals. The addition of Mountain Dew may seem unconventional, but it adds a delightful twist to the traditional apple dumpling recipe. The bubbly citrus soda complements the tartness of the apples and gives the dumplings a light, crisp crust.
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting in your baking, Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings are definitely worth a try. They are a unique and delicious treat that will impress your family and friends. So grab some Granny Smith apples, Pillsbury crescent rolls, and a can of Mountain Dew, and get ready to enjoy a truly special dessert that will have everyone asking for more.
FAQS
What makes Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings unique?
Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings are unique because they contain an unexpected ingredient: Mountain Dew. The bubbly citrus soda adds a distinct flavor and creates a crispy crust on the dumplings.
Why does the recipe call for Mountain Dew?
Mountain Dew is added to the recipe to complement the tartness of the Granny Smith apples and provide a seltzer-like spring to the dough, resulting in light and airy dumplings.
Can I replace Mountain Dew with another soda?
While Mountain Dew is the recommended soda for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other citrus flavored sodas. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be different.
Are Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings hard to make?
No, Ree Drummond’s Apple Dumplings are relatively easy to make. The recipe uses store-bought crescent rolls, which makes the process easier and more accessible for home cooks.
Do the apple dumplings taste like Mountain Dew?
The apple dumplings do not taste like Mountain Dew. The soda acts primarily as a flavor enhancer, contributing to the overall texture of the dumplings without overpowering the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Can I make adjustments to the recipe based on personal preferences?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. You can adjust the amount of sugar, spices, or even experiment with different types of apples to suit your taste preferences.