When Andrew and I visit New York, we almost always end up at the half-price ticket booth in Times Square, looking for same-day tickets to a Broadway show. Most of the time we get tickets to hidden gems, shows that we haven’t heard of starring fabulous actors that aren’t household names.
That wasn’t the case when we visited in July 2010. When we got in line, we checked the board to see which shows were available. Unbelievably, there were still tickets left for A Little Night Music by the great Stephen Sondheim, featuring two of the greatest legends of musical theatre, Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters. “There’s probably just two tickets left, behind a column at the back,” I thought, and quickly chose second and third choices.
When we got to the front of the line and tickets were still available, we snatched them up, not believing our luck. The show was in previews, which probably explains why we got in. But, preview or not, I thought the performance was perfect. And hearing Stritch and Peters perform was an unforgettable experience.
A Little Night Musicis named for Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (if you think you don’t know that piece of music, you probably do). And it features the well-known song “Send in the Clowns”. Only a true professional could make such a well-known song sound like you’ve never heard it before. That’s exactly what Bernadette Peters did in her magnificent performance. Seeing this show was truly an exceptional experience.
This show of missed opportunities and second chances is set in Sweden. (It was originally inspired by an Ingmar Bergman movie.) When I was looking for Swedish recipes, I came across this lovely Swedish Apple Pie. Baked without a pie shell, it’s topped with a crust that reminded me a bit of my German grandmother’s apple pies. This is one of the easiest pies I’ve ever baked and, based on the enthusiastic reviews, I’ll make it again.
Swedish Apple Pie
(adapted slightly from Stacey Snacks)
5 – 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar (first amount)
2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1 cup sugar (second amount)
1 cup flour
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 egg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a pie pan with sliced apples and walnuts. (I used 6 apples in my 10” pan, but if you’re using a 9” pan, 5 apples would probably be enough.)
Mix the 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon and cloves. Sprinkle over apples, coating them well.
Brown the butter (for instructions on how to brown butter, see these instructions). Add 1 cup sugar and the flour, and let the mixture come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Add egg and stir well. Spread the batter over the apples with a rubber spatula or a spoon.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden.
I've never had Swedish apple pie. It looks yummy. Still need to try that chicken recipe.
I like the idea of same-day musicals…the not super planned vacation. Sounds like the best way to go 🙂
The swedish apple pie looks delicious!
I am craving some apple pie right now, looks delicious!
Beth, Apple pie is a favorite in our home. This looks wonderful! I loved "A Little Night Music". I always love these post. Food and Broadway….truly who could ask for anything more. Have a wonderful week. Bonnie
The show and the pie sound wonderful!
I will definitely prepare this amazing apple pie and for sure I will bake it while listen to the " Kleine Nachtmusik".
Thank you for the inspiration, Beth!
I've never liked clowns, but the song "Send in the Clowns" always makes me think of a music box from childhood – only lovely memories (such a wistful song!). This pie looks super-amazing! So simple, too!
Don't know about 'a little night music', but the pie looks mouthwatering, Beth.
I would love to visit New York one day and take advantage of all of the cultural events and shows. It is crazy how I am all the way over here in Asia and I still have not visited all of the States. A good old fashion Swedish apple pie sounds perfect hot from the oven.
Darn it, I'm off dessert for a week and this sounds so good (as does the NYC outing)!
This is calling for some great music and a big scoop of ice cream!
Beth, this pie looks delicious and what I like the best is not having to deal with pie crust, which I am somehow very reluctant…
Thanks for the recipe, have a wonderful week ahead 😀
Although I am a chocoholic, I love, love apple pies. This is definitely my type!
Wow. Great pie!
Oh yum….looks delectable, Beth!
Such a delicious pie, and I would eat it right here right now if I could 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Wow! I'm so glad you got to see such a great show. What luck! I didn't realize Swedish apple pie was different from our apple pie. But anything with brown butter is a good idea.
there really is an apple pie for every occasion! america may be known for its apple pie, but this one is nothing to sniff at!
Gosh, you really scored! When we lived in the NYC area we used to do pretty well getting half-priced tickets for matinees, although that meant we had to take off work. Such a sacrifice! 😉 Great recipe — pie may be the most perfect dessert, ever. Why hasn't anyone written a song called Send in the PIe? 😉
Beth wouldn't that make a great cookbook?
"recipes inspired by musicals"?
Seriously!
I love that idea – when I write my first cookbook, that's what I'll do. And I'll name you in the credits!
I love this apple pie, look absolutely delicious!!
My grandmother was Swedish, I don't remember this kind of pie but am going to give it a try. Plus no crust? My kind of pie, crusts and I are not friends.
Hey, very nice site. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table,but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
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Well, of course, I'd eat the top first…and load it up with ice cream. So it's a good thing that delicious dish is NOT in my kitchen right now! 🙂
Dear Beth, That is wonderful that you got to see this play. The music is beautiful.
I know this pie would get very good reviews in my house too.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
I've never heard of Swedish apple pie! I bet it is absolutely wonderful 🙂
Bethm sounds like you really enjoyed the performance in NY – and the apple pie looks like a wonderful treat! Eine kleine Nachtmusik is just wonderful!
…of course, that should read "Beth"…sorry for that!
Looks great–I think I need to try this! I have frozen apples left from fall and I love that it doesn't use a bottom crust. I think I'm going to New York this summer, so you are inspiring me!
I love having a new version of apple pie. And you linked them so prettily together with the musical. When I lived in NYC, I saw the original Night Music at least ten times. All those grand voices and such a sweet, fun story. A lot of it was based on Smiles of a Summer Night – which is one of the few Bergman films that wasn't dour! (Although I love his films.)
Claudia, that must have been amazing. If I lived in NYC, I don't know how I could ever stay away from the theatre!