Pie History Continued

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

More Pie history today.

It was in the New World, that pies truly continued. By the time the pilgrims had lined up for the first Thanksgiving, in 1621, they learned enough to regularly put pie on the table. (As far back as 1623, the Turkey Day pie of choice, was pumpkin pie.)

Although early colonists, like the Greeks used piecrust as tupperware, it wasn't long before the crust itself came to be considered the tastiest part of the dish. In 1957, "Betty Crocker's Pie Parade," a book about baking, included recipes for cookie crumb crusts, nut crusts, and fillings that ranged from crumb top, cream, peach, rhubarb, and even custard. Today, Americans buy some 183 million pies a year at grocery stores. According to Linda Haskins, executive director of the American Pie Council (of which we are also a member), 75 percent of all pies sold are baked in the last three months of the year.

"Portion Control," Haskins says. "Hand held versions of pies are becoming increasingly popular. Pies on a stick, pies in a jar." Pies are everywhere these days. You'd think this would have to do with swelling, waistlines, and health consciousness,  but another theory persists: So-called "personal pies" all but guarantee you'll get the last bite.

 

Still, I  think that pie is has never been more scrumptious, more full of goodness and all that implies, than when it involves little more than a perfectly ripe berry, a heavenly dollop of coconut cream, or a flaky crust..... "Who's to say precisely what Socrates had in mind when, more than 2,400 years ago in Greece, he sat at a table cooking up his definition of piety. But we're reverent enough about pie to bet that a round of phyllo and bowl of fruit were nearby." (Katherine O' Shea Evans)

Come back next week, for "Famous People's Favorite Pie."

Signing off now,

"May All your Crusts be Round."

       Natalie.

Pie History

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

 Here's a brief update on France, we have 5 weeks left until we leave!! My fundraising is coming right along! You can still order pies by calling Mendocino Ballet at 707-463-2290. Thank you Gribaldo's for letting me put a fundraising can on your counter!

If there are any other businesses willing to particapate in helping the ballet out, with a fundraiser can, call me at 707-367-5498 or you can call the number above.

What is it as simple as an apple on a tree, or in a pie shell?

 Here is a picture I found, that I thought looked like it could be an ancient pie.

Was the beginning of pies that easy? Hardly, the history of a delicious pie, and America’s never ending passion was a slow and messy, but beautiful process of undying love for pie.

History people believe that the today's pie progressed over a long period of time, like so many other important pursuits. Ancient Greece was where bakers connected the first pastry dough, out of flour and fat. The reason for the crust, was to preserve the deliciousness inside. Rich people probably never had a reason to use crust for making their food last longer.

Romans took the pie idea on the road, and filled it with mussels, and food from the sea. They advertised it all over the country, until pie was a delight of Europe. The Brits stuffed theirs with partridges and other savory offerings; the French with creamy marzipan.

Cherry pie, is considered the long-esteemed American favorite. It was first baked by Queen Elizabeth according to lore. Pies hit their low point, in 1644,when England's Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell banned them as "A pagan form of pleasure."

  

Janet Clarkson,an Aussie writer who ate her way through 12 glorious months of research for her book, Pie: A Global History, is fond of weird pie facts. "Over a couple centuries in England's tiny village of Denby Dale," Clarkson says, "A series of giant pies have been made. The first was in 1788, as a gift from the town to King George III, who was recovering from a bout madness." In 1877, a pie weighing one and a half tons marked by Queen Victoria's jubilee.

Stay tuned til Monday for more pie history!

Oh, and in case your wondering, this is an English assignment. What grade do you think I deserve? I'm not done blogging, about pie history!!!

What is your Perfect Pie?

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

Pumpkin Pie is my idea of a perfect pie. The smell of creamy filling, while it's baking in the oven and the fall breeze comes to life. The beautiful aroma of Cinnamon and spices coming together, it is a wonderful experience! Whether or not you have tried Kemmy's Pumpkin Pie or Pumpkin Walnut Crumb pie, you probably have an idea of what this feels like!! 

Your idea of a perfect pie might be Blackberry, Apple, Cherry, or Raspberry all of which are delicious choices! Tell me what your favorite pie is, and your favorite thing about it. 

Did you know, "The Average American consumes about six slices of pie a year." I would like to say that Kemmy's customers are not Average Americans. It is more like 6 slices a week! We love our faithful customers. You guys rock!!!!!

Savory Pies are back and having a good start! Get them today at, Westside Renaissance Market, The Redwood Valley Market, and J.D. Redhouse.

Signing off now,

May all your Pie Crusts be Round!

Natalie

     

Lots of news today!

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

It's been along time since I've been on here, hope your still interested. Well for starters, Katie is back from Arkansas! Last weekend was my grandparents 50th. It was down in Exeter. Wow! I didn't think people stayed married that long anymore!

Still raising money for France, I've almost made it there! I can't wait to go! Thank you to all that have supported the Mendocino Ballet in this great opportunity, to travel to France! The pie fundraiser is still going on, you can call the ballet at 707-463-2290, and place your order. There are 8 girls that you can contribute to. Also, come get your car washed this Sunday, at 2:00pm in front of the Beauty College in Ukiah!

Quote for today! "Good Apple Pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness" - Jane Austen

Signing off now,

Natalie

And remember "May all your crusts be round."