Randy Chandler
Shari's is a restaurant chain that was founded in 1978 and is the largest family-style brand in the Pacific Northwest. It is famous for its Northwest comfort food, welcoming service, and award-winning pies. While Shari's offers a variety of pies, including strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, and marionberry, there is no mention of apple pie on their menu. Therefore, it is unlikely that Shari's puts cheese on apple pie, as this combination is not a part of their advertised pie offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese on apple pie | Some people enjoy the combination of apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese |
| This combination is more common in the Northern US, the UK and the Midwest | |
| In the Southern US, apple pie is usually served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream | |
| Shari's apple pie | Shari's, a restaurant chain, served a Marionberry cheese pie |
| The pie was described as having a slightly fluffy/light soft filling, not solid like a baked cheesecake |
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What You'll Learn
- Shari's is famous for its award-winning pies, including the Marionberry cheese pie
- The apple and cheese combination is uncommon in Southern states
- The apple pie and cheese combination originated in England and was brought to the US in the 17th century
- The apple pie with cheese has been described as a delectable combo
- Some people regard the apple pie and cheese combination as downright sacrilege
Shari's is famous for its award-winning pies, including the Marionberry cheese pie
Shari's, a family-style restaurant brand in the Pacific Northwest, is famous for its award-winning pies. In fact, in the past seven years, Shari's has won a record 47 gold medals at the National Pie Championships. The restaurant is known for its comforting Northwest comfort food, welcoming service, and grand selection of pies.
One of its most popular pies is the Marionberry cheese pie, which has been described as "ambrosia" by some patrons. The pie features a slightly fluffy and light soft filling, resembling a hybrid of baked cheesecake and jello cheesecake. It is made with marionberries sourced from Oregon, where the berry variety is native. The Marionberry cheese pie is so iconic that some customers have tried to recreate the recipe after the restaurant closed its doors.
The combination of cheese and fruit in pies is not an unusual concept. In fact, it has been a traditional pairing for centuries. Some sources trace the origin of cheese on apple pie back to England, where both dishes are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, and some began to experiment with adding cheddar cheese. This tradition then spread to what is now considered the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.
While the combination of apple pie and cheese may be more commonly associated with the Northern states, it has also found its place in the culinary landscape of Los Angeles. Some restaurants in L.A., such as Philippe and North Hollywood's Republic of Pie, offer the option of adding a slice of cheddar cheese to their apple pie. This unique pairing adds a sharp counterweight to the sweetness of the pie, creating an intriguing sweet-savory combination.
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The apple and cheese combination is uncommon in Southern states
While Southerners are known for their unique food combinations, such as buttermilk and cornbread, pear and mayonnaise salad, and Coca-Cola with peanuts, they draw the line at putting cheese on apple pie. Although apples and cheddar are commonly found together on a cheese board, Southerners are not accustomed to combining the two in a pie. Instead, they prefer to top their apple pie with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
The preference for apple pie without cheese in the Southern states may be due to regional variations in food culture. The South is known for its unique culinary traditions, and apple pie with cheese may be seen as a "Yankee thing."
In addition, the apple and cheese combination may be less popular in the South because it is a sweet and savoury pairing. While some people enjoy the contrast of sweet and savoury flavours, others may find it unusual or unappealing.
Finally, other factors, such as availability and accessibility of ingredients, cultural influences, and personal preferences, may also contribute to the rarity of the apple and cheese combination in Southern states.
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The apple pie and cheese combination originated in England and was brought to the US in the 17th century
Apple pie is a dessert that originated in England as early as the 14th century. It was brought to the colonies (now the US) by the English, Dutch, and Swedes during the 17th and 18th centuries. The first apple pie recipes in America were published in 1796 in America's first cookbook, "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons.
The apple pie and cheese combination, specifically, also originated in England. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, such as custard. Some people began to use cheddar cheese instead, and the combination became popular. This practice likely dates back to medieval times, when cheese was commonly served with fruit and nuts after meals to aid digestion.
When apple pie was brought to the colonies, the cheese topping likely came with it. The combination was especially popular in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US, which are known for their dairy production. However, the combination never caught on in the Southern states, where apple pie is typically served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
While the exact origin of the phrase "as American as apple pie" is unclear, it became associated with American cultural identity in the 20th century. Apple pie was used as a symbol of American prosperity and national pride in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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The apple pie with cheese has been described as a delectable combo
While Shari's, a restaurant chain, does not explicitly mention apple pie with cheese on its menu, it is famous for its pies and has won several awards for them. Interestingly, they do offer a Marionberry cheese pie, which seems to be quite popular.
The apple pie with cheese combination has been described as a "delectable combo" by some, while others find it downright sacrilegious. This unique pairing likely originated in England, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, and some began experimenting with cheddar cheese. This tradition was later brought to the United States by European settlers, particularly to the Northeast and Midwest regions.
The combination of apple pie and cheddar cheese creates a sweet and savoury contrast that some find appealing. The sharpness of the cheddar can provide a nice counterbalance to the sweetness of the apple pie filling. This pairing is not limited to just apple pie, as cheese has historically been served with fruit and nuts at the end of meals to aid digestion.
While the apple pie with cheese combination may not be as common in Southern states, it certainly has its enthusiasts. Some restaurants in Los Angeles, for example, offer apple pie with a slice of cheddar upon request. The late celebrity chef James Beard even wrote about a restaurant that served a "decent apple pie" with warm, melted sharp cheddar cheese, causing "customers nearly fainting."
So, while the combination of apple pie and cheese may not be for everyone, it has its roots in culinary history and continues to be enjoyed by those who appreciate the unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
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Some people regard the apple pie and cheese combination as downright sacrilege
While some people enjoy apple pie with a slice of cheese, this combination is not for everyone. Some regard the apple pie and cheese combination as downright sacrilege. Apple pie is a cultural institution, and for many, the idea of adding cheese is simply unacceptable.
The apple pie-cheese pairing is said to have originated in England, where both apple pie and cheddar cheese first appeared. In the 17th and 18th centuries, English pies were often topped with a dairy-based sauce, such as custard, and eventually, some began to experiment with adding cheddar cheese. Over time, this combination made its way to the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, where it became popular. However, it never really caught on in the Southern states, where apple pie is more commonly served with ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.
The combination of apple pie and cheese is often seen as unusual, especially in certain regions of the United States. In the South, for example, apples and cheddar cheese may be enjoyed together on a cheese board, but combining them in a pie is less common. While some people may be open to trying new food combinations, others may be more hesitant to deviate from traditional dessert options.
The addition of cheese to apple pie can be seen as altering a classic dish. Apple pie is a well-loved dessert, and some people may feel that adding cheese takes away from the traditional taste and texture of the pie. The sharp flavour of cheddar cheese, in particular, can be seen as a jarring contrast to the sweet and fruity filling of an apple pie.
While the apple pie and cheese combination has its supporters, who appreciate the unique sweet and savoury contrast it offers, it is not a widely accepted pairing. For those who grew up with more traditional dessert options, the idea of combining fruit and cheese in a pie may take some time to become accustomed to. It is a combination that challenges the traditional boundaries of dessert flavours and textures, and as such, it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Shari's does not put cheese on apple pie. However, they do serve a Marionberry cheese pie, which is a hybrid of baked cheesecake and jello cheesecake.
The cheese-apple pie combination traces back to England, where both cheddar and apple pie are said to have originated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a dairy-based sauce often topped English pies, and some folks decided to try out cheddar. The tradition then spread to what is now considered the Northeast and Midwest of the U.S.
While the combination is not commonplace in North America, it is most commonly found in the Northeast region of the U.S. In the Southern states, apple pie is usually served with ice cream or heavy cream.
Some people enjoy the sweet and savoury combination of apple pie with cheese, especially sharp cheddar. However, others are adverse to the idea, considering it sacrilege to add cheese to apple pie, a cultural institution.
