Apple Pie: Chowdown Showdown

In the aftermath of last week's big tuna-themed Chowdown Showdown, Lilly Melin suggested we tackle apple pie next. The reasoning? "Nothin' more American or summer than that!"

We couldn't really argue with that logic, so we rolled up the sleeves and dived into American summer tradition, tasting apple pies from three bakeries in the area. The locations were chosen by Patch users and Facebook fans.

The winner this week was chosen with a few things in mind, but the use of the crust and filling to provide a properly balanced taste to the pie were key. Plus, we all know a good apple pie when we taste it. Part of our judgement was based on how closely each pie came to providing the all-around flavor of America's favorite dessert.

If we can get the same taste at McDonald's, it probably isn't a winner.

(Chicago Heights)

The crust of the pie has a few sprinkles of sugar baked into it, working as a light topping. The sugar adds a hint of flavor to a part of the pie many of us are less concerned with. The filling is essentially chopped apples coated with a sweet syrup-like mixture. The best aspect of this pie is the untampered-with apple flavor. Sometimes that flavor can be masked with an idealized sugar-heavy concoction that actually tastes very little like real apples. Classic Cobbler doesn't have that problem. The natural flavor shines through.

(Homewood)

The Dutch apple pie from Walt's is a winner when it comes to good crust. The strussel adds a tasty texture that breaks down in your mouth and gels nicely with any filling. This filling, however, does not particularly boost the flavor of the apples used to make it. They seem to get lost in the sweetness of their gooey surroundings. The balance of actual apples to liquid filling seems to be about 50/50, which isn't bad. But the filling should complement the apple, not compete with it. Still, the crust is a must at Walt's.

(Chicago Heights)

While Pearson's didn't have time to bake up a whole apple pie, they touted their "apple slices" as being equal in taste and satisfaction. Unlike a traditional apple pie, the slices are coated with icing, which adds an extra bit of sweetness to an already syrupy treat. Each apple slice is so sugary and heavy, it would probably fill the average person up, leaving his or her sweet tooth thoroughly satisfied. Delicious in it's own right, the apple slice still doesn't quite measure up to the indistinuishable taste of apple pie. Maybe if we do a round too, we'll give Pearson's time to make a traditional pie.

The Winner: Classic Cobbler

The perfect balance of a subtely sweet crust and an apple-friendly filling gave the new Chicago Heights sweets shop the edge!

Looking for local eats? Start with your local Patch Places food and dining directory. Please post a review on your favorite restaurant's profile page.

• For establishments in Chicago Heights and Olympia Fields
• For establishments in Homewood and Flossmoor