Pie Fixes Everything?

Why is it that people love pie so much? I guess it’s because pies are old-fashioned and usually delicious. Many people do not make pies. They act as if there is some mysterious secret to making them. I love to make pies, and find most people are very appreciative of my efforts, including my number one fan, my husband.

The best thing about pies for me is that they are almost always made with local, seasonal fruits at their peak as the filling. So in the spring/summer we look forward to strawberry and rhubarb pies. Then come the sour cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. And don’t forget peach pie. All of these are delicious and have limited seasons, leaving us wanting more.
The pie in the photo was made from peaches picked from a tree we planted in our yard. The peaches were small, and it was time-consuming to pare and cut them but well worth the effort.

A whole different set of pies comes in the fall. We have concord grapes for grape pie—it tastes like grape jelly, of course. There are many variations on the number one favorite—apple pie. It’s always a good idea to mix the types of apples one uses: Rome, Granny Smith, Cortland,etc. Next is pumpkin pie or squash pie, and pecan pies are good too.

I think of Key Lime pie in the winter because I can buy Key Limes in Florida (from Mexico). Some people serve mince pie at Christmas made from raisins and apples that can easily be stored. Cherry pie is often served on President’s Day, but the cherries may be canned.

Still that leaves a myriad of pies that are not necessarily seasonal: lemon meringue pie, chocolate cream pie, banana cream pie, custard pie, and many more.

One year when my children still lived at home, I made a New Year’s resolution to make a different pie for my family every week of the year. Well, the truth is that I only made it until the end of April. I guess I just got too busy or lazy. I think that pie making is more of an art than a science. One almost has to be inspired to bake a pie. Many people regard making a pie as an expression of love. I have a sign in my kitchen that says, “Pie Fixes Everything.” I don’t believe it, but I do think that pie makes everything better.

What is YOUR favorite pie?