How to Celebrate National Pie Day, January 23

Just in time to perk us up in the middle of the winter, National Pie Day is January 23.  It’s a celebration of all things pie, our most American dessert.  What will it be…warm apple pie ala mode, cherry, blueberry, lemon meringue, pecan or even peanut butter pie?  Pie Day is an opportunity to share the deliciousness.

This could be your new favorite holiday: National Pie Day.  Bake a pie, buy a pie, share a pie. 

Americans do love their pie, and National Pie Day, January 23, is the day we celebrate it.  A survey[1] of Americans reveals that our favorites are apple, lemon meringue, pecan and pumpkin, with cherry, strawberry rhubarb and chocolate rounding out the pie chart. 

Resolutions aside for the moment, who can resist a slice of good pie?  The aroma of warm apples and cinnamon melts most of into a puddle of nostalgia and desire.  The glory of a lemon pie piled high with meringue brings a twinkle to the eye of some, as does the nutty richness of a slice of chocolate pecan pie.

I say, “National Pie Day is the perfect holiday!  No pressure, no expectations, no family trips in the car, no gifts to wrap. Just pie, glorious pie.  Shared.”

I recommend these “7 Best Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day” -- or come up with your own creative way to celebrate!

• Give the gift of pie to a local "hometown hero.” Stop by and visit the staff at the shelter for survivors of domestic violence, or the local police or fire department, or school or library, and let these local heroes know that you appreciate all they do for your community.
• Make pie! Spend time with children and make a pie together. Find free pie recipes and how-to tips at www.piepals.com.  You'll make great memories and the kids will be proud to serve the pie for dessert.
• Reach out to new neighbors you might not have met yet. Say “welcome” with a pie.
• Have a pie potluck get-together. Everyone brings a pie!
• Share pie. If you make or buy a pie, share it with someone! By its very nature, pie is meant to be eaten with others:  family, friends, neighbors, even co-workers.
• Pass along pie memories so that our pie heritage doesn’t fade away. Call older members of the family and ask them for pie recipes. Ask them to teach you how to make them. Talk about your favorite pies and the family history behind them. Publish your pie memories and favorite recipes at www.piepals.com. Make pies often and serve them to the next generation.
• If pie making is not in your schedule, stop by your favorite pie shop or grocery store and bring home a gift of love and joy. The coldest of January days will be warmed by a special pie dessert.

As you may know, my motto is, “The more good pie in the world, the better. It brings us together and lets us settle down for a few peaceful minutes of shared enjoyment.”  If you’re new to pie baking or are intimidated by making the crust, she recommends checking out the Pie Pals web site, where there are tips and tricks. There’s also a “pie shop” where there are made-in-Albuquerque. aprons and a DVD on “Pie Crust 101.”

And what makes a “good” pie?  “A delicate crust, one that flakes easily and is thoroughly baked to a light brown.   The fruit should taste fresh, without too much sugar.  And there should be lots of filling, whatever that might be.  When there is that perfect balance between a flavorful filling and the slightly salty crust, that is pie heaven!” 

Homemade pie doesn’t have to be fussy or pretty.  It will be enjoyed no matter what, and the only ingredient that really matters is love.

[1] http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/dessert-recipes/whats-your-favorite-type-of-pie-81897