Ep 3. How to Make an Apple Pie See the World

The beloved TV show Reading Rainbow continues to captivate children with its engaging stories and fun learning activities. In season 14, episode 3 titled "How to Make an Apple Pie See the World," host LeVar Burton takes young viewers on an exciting adventure as they discover the origin of ingredients in an apple pie recipe.

The episode begins with LeVar introducing the concept of recipes and how they are used to create delicious dishes. He then teases the episode's main activity: baking an apple pie from scratch. However, before they embark on this culinary journey, LeVar wants to show viewers where the ingredients come from and how they are harvested.

First stop is an apple orchard, where viewers learn about the different types of apples and how they are grown. As a bonus, LeVar shares some interesting facts about apples, such as the legend of Johnny Appleseed and how apples are related to the rose family.

Next, LeVar takes viewers around the world to explore different ingredients found in an apple pie recipe. They visit a wheat field in Kansas to see the grain that is used to make the crust, and then it's off to Vermont to learn about maple syrup, a delicious alternative to sugar that can be used to sweeten the pie. They also visit a dairy farm in Wisconsin to see how butter is made, which is another key ingredient in the recipe.

Along the way, LeVar provides captivating commentary and shares fun facts about each ingredient and location they visit. For instance, viewers learn about the importance of soil and irrigation in growing wheat, and they also discover that Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world.

As viewers travel the globe, they also get to meet locals who share their unique perspectives on creating these ingredients. They learn about the challenges of producing maple syrup and the importance of community in making butter. This firsthand experience helps children appreciate the effort that goes into making their favorite foods and encourages them to be more mindful of where their food comes from.

Once they have explored all the ingredients, LeVar and his young friends head back to the kitchen to put their newfound knowledge into practice. They showcase how to make the pie crust from scratch and emphasize the importance of following the recipe instructions carefully. They also show how to mix the filling and assemble the pie, with tips on how to get the perfect consistency and flavor.

Throughout the baking process, LeVar encourages children to get involved and experiment with different techniques. He also praises their hard work and creativity, reinforcing the message that cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity.

Finally, the moment of truth arrives as the pie comes out of the oven. Children are eager to taste their creation and savor the fruits of their labor. LeVar wraps up the episode by inviting viewers to try making their own apple pie at home and share their experiences with friends and family.

In "How to Make an Apple Pie See the World," Reading Rainbow delivers a delightful mix of adventure, education, and inspiration. Through exploring the origins of an apple pie recipe and baking their own pie, children learn the importance of different ingredients and gain a deeper appreciation for the people and communities that help make our food possible. With LeVar's engaging and thoughtful guidance, this episode is sure to delight and inspire young bakers everywhere.