Pi(e) Day 2017

There is one glorious day each year wherein I make a plethora of pies, and then we eat them.  And we make passing mentions of pi.  But mostly, we eat pie. 

3.14 is one of my favorite holidays, and I take it pretty seriously.  This year we had our customary pie party, inviting some friends over to share in the flaky goodness.  I have a few tried and true pies that I make every year, but this year I tested some new recipes, and I'm pleased to say they were successes!  Here's the lineup:

Peach

This is my very favorite pie, and I make sure to freeze some of my Georgia peaches that I buy every summer just for this occasion.  It did not disappoint.  New addition: the star in the middle.  Shan got fancy with the cookie cutters.

Allen's Favorite Cherry

Allen is my dad.  This was his favorite cherry pie when he was a kid.  It was a family favorite when I was a kid.  And now it's Julia's favorite as well.  A graham cracker crust with a whipped cream/cream cheese base and cherry pie filling on top.  It always disappears quickly.  Bonus: Julia had to share her "favorite thing" at Activity Days the day after Pie Day, and she chose this pie.  We cut a big slice out for her to take to the gift exchange. 

Chocolate Pudding

This is the simplest of simple: graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding from a box.  Bam.  In fact, Ella made this pie.  She had requested a chocolate pie, and I often make a chocolate custard one, but on further probing we discovered that she would really be just as happy with chocolate pudding, and that saves me a lot of work so. . . we went with a box of jello pudding.  She loved it.  Especially when I let her have a piece for breakfast the next day.

Blueberry Sour Cream

I had been looking for a blueberry pie that I could use frozen blueberries in (since March is not exactly blueberry season), and this recipe was the winner.  It turned out pretty great.  Almost like a blueberry cheesecake.  I'll definitely be putting this recipe in my collection.

Hoosier Sugar Cream

This was the surprise hit of the night.  I had never heard of a sugar cream pie before, but I was really intrigued.  Especially when I read the recipe: flour, sugar, and salt; add cream and vanilla; bake.  What is this crazy magic??  How does this runny mixture firm up to become a creamy, smooth pie??  I don't know, but it was magic indeed.  I compare the taste to snickerdoodle cookie dough.  Very yummy.  Next time I might try it with nutmeg on top instead of cinnamon.  We have lived in a state bordering Indiana for 6 years, so it's like an almost-local delicacy.  Look at me, embracing the midwest!

 Our friends added to the spread, to make Pi(e) Day truly wonderful this year. 
 

The night ended with happy, full bellies, and happy, full hearts.  Pie and friendship is truly the best combination.