National Pie Day
The American Pie Council urges America to “party hearty” on National Pie Day — January 23, 2012 — by throwing a pie baking (and tasting) party with family and friends.
Throwing a pie in someone’s face is almost never a good thing, but throwing a pie party is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Although 2011 was officially dubbed “The Year of the Pie” this versatile dessert shows no signs of crumbling in the popularity polls anytime soon. Served warm or cold, sweet or savory, one crust or two, à la mode or à la carte, by the slice or straight from the pan, pie was, and still is, HOT, HOT, HOT.
Which pie should you choose for your National Pie Day party? The pie-sibilities are endless! Will it be one of the 231 varieties of apple pie, the favorite of 36 million Americans? Perhaps pumpkin pie, which was first introduced to the holiday table at the pilgrim’s second Thanksgiving in 1623? Or maybe a pecan pie, which is the third most popular choice in our nation of pie lovers?
The American Pie Council, the only organization committed to maintaining America’s pie heritage, offers pie partiers plenty of award-winning recipes on its website. Budding bakers can share some camaraderie around the rolling pin and try their hand at any one of more than 50 recipes from the Annual APC/Crisco® National Pie Championships, held each spring in Orlando, Florida. These recipes were specially developed by professional and amateur bakers from all over the United States for entry in this annual competition.
Popular pie party selections might include the Amateur Best in Show winner, the “Royal Macadamia Raspberry Pie” or Professional Best in Show winner, “Engagement Ring Pie” (pictured, above left), a blueberry-based pie named in honor of Prince William and his bride. Of course, pie purists will find the classics well represented, with plenty of variations for the All-American apple, classic coconut cream, luscious lemon meringue and more.
Not a baker? Not a problem. Why not invite a local pastry chef or culinary student to your pie party to teach you and your friends the secret to a perfect crust? Or, just pick up a pie from your neighborhood bakery, caterer or supermarket. It’s sure to warm up a cold January night and stir up some “oohs” and “aahs” just as well as homemade. You could even pass off a store-bought pie as your own creation … seven percent of Americans have!
Bakers of all skill levels are invited to enter the 18th Annual APC/Crisco® National Pie Championships® to be held April 27-29, 2012, in Orlando. Those who prefer to appreciate the nuances of pie without all the work won’t want to miss the APC Great American Pie Festival, held April 28-29, 2012, in nearby Celebration, Florida (don’t miss the Never Ending Pie Buffet).
Oh. Why is National Pie Day celebrated on January 23 (which also can be written 1/23)? Because celebrating the wholesome goodness of pie is as easy as 1-2-3!
The American Pie Council is the only organization committed to maintaining America’s pie heritage, passing on the tradition of pie-making and promoting America’s love affair with pie. The APC offers personal, professional and commercial memberships.
(Photo shows the Engagement Ring Pie created by Bryan Ehrenholm, which was the APC/Crisco 2011 National Pie Championships Professional Best in Show)