I love the two regular online events I participate in: Cook the Books and Movies & Munchies (search for the group on FB and ask for an invite). Both of these clubs introduce me to books and movies, respectively, that I have never heard of. Case in point: this month’s Movies & Munchies film was Mr. Church, starring Eddie Murphy. Never.Heard.Of.It. Thanks to Wendy for recommending this film and hosting this month!
While both Rotten Tomatoes and Roger Ebert rated this film one star, I mostly liked it. I enjoyed the story and the idea. I thought some of the acting and dialogue was a bit trite at times and I thought it might need some editing. Conversely, I thought that some things needed fleshed out a bit more. I also wondered at if they could have dialed back Charlie’s brat-factor. The story is also only told from Charlie’s POV and the film might have suffered a bit for that because of Charlie’s un-likability. Personally Mr. Church is a saint for putting up with her until the very end.
There was a lot of food in the film as Mr. Church (Murphy’s character) is a cook, although he can do anything. Mr. Church is an accomplished jazz musician, very well read, and apparently can sew and design a prom dress as well.
I know there’s been a lot of criticism of this film regarding the archetype that Mr. Church portrays. I’m not really sure I have a comment. Mr. Church is a very kind and generous soul who does the right thing while dealing with his own demons.
I think there’s a couple of apple pies featured in the film so that is what I went with. I while back, I posted a Pomegranate Curd Tart and I mentioned I wanted to make an apple pie using that same crust. Ya’ll, I am in LOVE with this olive oil crust. Here’s what I came up with.
Apple Cream Tart with Olive Oil Crust
Not your typical apple pie but it’s full of creamy, cinnamon-y goodness.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 5 T. sugar
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-2 T. water
For the apples:
- 3 c. Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 c. sugar
- 1 t. cinnamon
- dash of nutmeg
For the custard:
- 1 c. evaporated milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make crust.
- In the bowl of a food processor with the blade attachment, briefly combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add oil and water (1 T at a time) and process just until uniform dough forms.
- Using your hands, pat dough over bottom and sides of 9″ tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough to even thickness on bottom and sides. Place pan on rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Toss apples with the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Arrange apples over the crust. Return to oven and bake at 375° for 20 minutes.
- Make the custard. Place milk, egg, sugar and cinnamon in blender and process until smooth. When apples have baked for 20 minutes, remove from oven and carefully pour the custard mixture over apples. Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
This is a very sweet pie. No ice cream is needed.
June’s feature film is Best in Show. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this one and I don’t remember any food but I’m anxious to revisit it with foodie goggles on. Maybe some hotdogs? 
I’m so glad you joined me and I enjoyed the film too. I think people have a preconceived notion of what a film should be rather than just enjoying it for what it is. I am going to have to try this crust recipe for suer.
That apple pie sounds fantastic. I’m not sure about the movie.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com