Six pies to try this National Pie Day

Published 11:00 am Friday, January 22, 2016

Even if cake is your usual dessert preference or tarts are your go-to pick, this Saturday is all about pie. Observed annually on January 23, National Pie Day gives pie lovers and enthusiasts an opportunity to savor a slice (or more) and celebrate this bakery staple.

Although its origin dates back to at least the mid 16^th Century, the pie concept most of us are familiar with — be it meat-filled or sweet-filled —flourished and became popular in America between the 17th and 19^th centuries.

Not to be confused with National Pi Day, National Pie Day was developed by the American Pie Council and first celebrated in 1986 to commemorate cooking brand Crisco’s 75th anniversary of “serving foods to families everywhere.” Thirty years later, the unofficial holiday has endured, giving us a special day to have our pie and eat it, too.

So in honor of National Pie Day, here are six classic and unique pie picks, in no particular order, to help you mark the occasion and satisfy your sweet tooth.

1. Grasshopper Pie – Combining a chocolate cookie crumb crust with a robust, marshmellowy filling flavored with Crème de Menthe, this pie is sure to satisfy fans of mint chocolate chip ice cream or those little mints that are always gone too soon.

2. Key Lime Pie – A tart but timeless classic, this easy to prep pick will give you a sweet taste of Florida with each bite…even if it feels like Alaska outside your door.

3. Pink Lemonade Pie – Sure, a glass of lemonade can be refreshing. But who knew you could say the same thing about a pie? This creative pick, according to The Prepared Panty, allows you to get creative with pink lemonade — or any other juice drink — to savor a pie that’s good and satisfying all year long. Just leave out the ice cubes and lemon wedges.

4. Boston Crème Pie – A pie by name only, the Boston Crème Pie is the one option that appeals to cake fans…both in and outside of Beantown. Covered in chocolate frosting and usually filled with cream, custard or sometimes jam, this is one pie that’s been around for centuries. Consider it “the un-pie”.

5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pie – Chocoholics and fans of decadence, rejoice! This pick combines elements of peanut butter, bittersweet chocolate, and creamy cheesecake that Kelly over at Evil Shenanigans claims would trump any “Food Sad” from your past. In that case, do you really need another reason to bake your own?

6. Apple Pie – Last but certainly not least, this classic pick is about as Americana as you can get. Quite possibly one of the most well-known pies of our time, the apple pie has many tasty variations, but is a diner and restaurant mainstay when it comes to the dessert menu. Whether stussel or lattice-topped, made with Granny Smith or Red Delicious apples, just be sure to make it a la mode with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream.