Apple Pie from Fullmetal Alchemist: the Warmth of the Elric Home

Apple Pie from Fullmetal Alchemist: the Warmth of the Elric Home

Pinako Rockbell's apple pie is almost a leitmotif of Fullmetal Alchemist. She bakes it for Ed and Al every time they return to Resembool, and the smell of home baking symbolises everything the brothers have lost and are fighting to regain.

History and origin

Apple pie is a universal symbol of home comfort in Western culture. In Fullmetal Alchemist, creator Hiromu Arakawa deliberately chose this dish to contrast the warmth of village life against the cold machinery of the state.

Key ingredients

Classic apple pie: shortcrust pastry made with butter, a filling of tart apples (Antonovka or Granny Smith) with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar, topped with a lattice of pastry strips.

How to cook at home

The main secret to a juicy filling is letting the apples release their juice first: mix sliced apples with sugar and leave for 30 minutes, then drain the excess liquid. This prevents a soggy pie.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.