National Pie Day

National Pie Day

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

“As American as apple pie.” Celebrate National Pie Day !

Today is National Pie Day! January 23, 2024

As a teaching chef at Art of Cookery in Whitehall Michigan, I’ve baked and tasted all sorts of mouth-watering pies, and I’m inviting you to celebrate National Pie Day! I’m even listed as one of MLIVE top Pie Bakers in Michigan.

My love for pies started early on, and I’ve baked hundreds of them over the years. From apple to pumpkin, pecan to blueberry, every pie has its unique character and flavor. There’s something about the flaky crust and the sweet filling that brings people together and warms their hearts. So, on this special day, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the humble pie and the joy it brings to our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a pie novice, grab a slice, savor the flavor, and let’s all raise our forks to the national treasure that is Pie!

What is your favorite flavor of pie? Let me know in the comments.

Did you know that you can order pies (and other foods) from Art of Cookery? Have a look at our online shop to see flavor options and order. Know that I, Chef Valerie Hanson, make each pie to order so it will read as backordered.

Continue for pie tips and cooking class schedule.  

Here is a great recipe for easy pie pastry using your food processor….plus tips for enhancing the flavor.

Print Recipe

Pie Pastry

An easy pie pastry recipe. Makes 2
Prep Time5 minutes
Chilling Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Pie Crust, Pie Pastry
Servings: 1 2-crust pie
Author: vkhanson

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cut into pieces
  • 2-3 tbsp ice water

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
  • Add the chilled butter cubes to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
  • With the food processor running, gradually add the ice water through the feed tube. Continue processing until the dough comes together into a ball.
  • Turn off the food processor and remove the dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • After chilling, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into 2 rounds to fit your pie dish.

Notes

But don’t stop there! Get creative.
If you are making a crust for a sweet pie, add 2 T powdered sugar. Substituting half the water for chilled vodka adds lift to your crust. Think about how to bring the flavor of the pie filling into the crust. For example, a coconut cream pie would be enhanced by toasted a little bit of coconut flakes and putting in the food processor with the flour. A chocolate filling would become mocha if you substitute some or all of the water with iced coffee.
Making a savory pie like chicken pot pie? Add some poultry seasoning and even go as far as icing some chicken broth and swapping out the water.

Upcoming Classes and Mid-Winter Break

Art of Cookery is closing for a winter break mid-February but there are plenty of classes upcoming before then. Here is a link to see the full calendar.

Also, check out our website to see full class descriptions and options.