American Pies

Mysterious flyers began going up on Courier walls last week proclaiming today, Friday the 23rd, as "National Pie Day." Apparently some people decided to make it a "Bring Your Favorite Pie to Work" day as well. Was I up to the challenge? Oh you betcha.

"Hopefest '09," as designated by The Daily Show, gave me motivation and courage to tackle the difficult, annoying task of baking an apple pie from scratch. And I'm talking no canned filling AND no pre-made crust, folks. After almost forgetting about the whole event Thursday night, baking commenced at 8 p.m. and was punctuated shortly thereafter by an emergency run to the grocery for heavy cream. The spouse generously peeled and sliced apples in the meantime. Another co-worker at the store proclaimed she was buying her pie. "I should've just gone to Brinkman's! Why do I always do this to myself?" I whined. No wonder people opt for store bought - it's much less hassle and cheaper. By my estimate, I spent at least $10 on this baked good.

Four hours later though came the marvelous creation up above. I figured if I was going to break that much sweat making the thing, I might as well include some pie art as well. See the pretty leaf cut-outs and such? I've got to admit that it was a damn fine looking pie. But was it edible?

As evidenced, plenty of other pies were brought in. Key limes and pecans and peaches and even a rare chicken pot pie that people tackled for breakfast. According to a handful of apple pie eaters, the pie lived up to its appearance. People liked it and so did I. In fact, it might just become a Hancock County Fair entry this summer.

Do any of you still bake things like this completely from scratch? What do you make?

Comments

[Jennifer]

brownies from scratch, nothing better. and chocolate chip cookies, I hope to share my super secret (Nestle) recipe with my kids some day.
oooh, and mashed potatos....

[anon e. mouse]

All day long I waited to come to work for a slice of apple pie. None left. Had to settle for cherry (which I really like, but I had my heart set on apple).

Wish I could have tried it Joy. It looks delicious.

[Joy Brown]

Jennifer, I'll bet your secret Nestle recipe is deelish!

Anon, now you've made me feel bad. Who knows, maybe I'll bring in another pie soon for the night crew.

[Mark]

We would bow to you if you brought an apple pie to the night crew. I love to bake cookies from scratch and my girls really appreciate them. A couple of weeks ago, my mom helped Maddy bake my favorite German cookies for a school project. I hung out in the kitchen to find out how to bake those. Some day, I need to go spend a day with mom and find out how she makes apple pies, apple dumplings and the best damn caramel corn I and Jim Harrold have ever had. It'd be like living in dessert heaven.