Cheddar and apple pie is a tradition that seems to have gone out of style, but I can’t really figure out why. I grabbed a slice of pie left from Thanksgiving, cut a slice of sharp cheddar and threw it in the microwave.
Everyone in the room looked on in disgust, but apple and cheddar worked really well together. The cheese mostly stayed on top and worked as a nice added flavor. There weren’t really any surprises here, the flavors are both distinct and don’t dilute each other. It’s definitely worth a try for any cheese fan.
And what better album to go with apple pie and cheddar than Don McLean’s 1971 American Pie. I’ll be honest, the name was the obvious connection for this record and dish, but I’ve made a few more:
Like the apple pie and cheddar, it’s easy to scoff at McLean. While the title track is usually considered one of the greatest of all time, it’s a bit over-played (we can thank Madonna for the latest horrible resurgence). But seriously, “American Pie” is an undeniable classic. Unfortunately, most people haven’t heard the rest of the album.
And American Pie has quite a few gems. “Vincent,” a tribute to van Gogh, is a beautiful acoustic number. McLean matches the majesty of the artists’ Starry Night. The album has a few other equally moving songs, like “The Grave” and “Empty Chairs,” and more upbeat ones like the love song “Winterwood.”
As I kept listening, American Pie is exactly like my dessert. The album’s later folk tracks add depth to the well known title track. Although I was initially put off, it ended up being a pleasant surprise.
