Historians trace the origin of pie to the Greeks who are thought to be the originators of the pastry shell. The early pies were predominately meat pies and the crust of the pie was often referred to as “coffyn”. Pies came to America with the first English settlers with the early colonists cooking their pies in long narrow pans. As in the Roman times, the early American pie crusts often were not eaten, but simply designed to hold the filling during baking. Pioneer women often served pies with every meal and with food at the heart of gatherings and celebrations, pie quickly moved to the forefront of contests at county fairs, picnics, and other social events. Through the years, pie has evolved to become a very traditional dessert and a unique part of the American culture.
The American Pie Council, founders of National Pie Day, offers many unique ideas to celebrate this delicious day. Make special memories with your children or grandkids by baking a pie together (the Doughbox Bakery even sells homemade pie crust for you to bake in your own kitchen!) Indulge your co-workers, neighbors or friends with a delicious, home-made pie. Why not share this comfort food with a “hometown hero” at your local police or fire department and let these local heroes know you appreciate all they do for your community. Or, throw a “pie party” - celebrate with friends or even make it a fundraiser to raise money for a favorite charity.
National Pie Day is celebrated each year on January 23 (since making pie is as easy as 1, 2, 3!) We celebrate this delicious holiday with special pie deals at our Doughbox Bakery and Barn Restaurant. If you’d like to try making a pie at home, here are some historic recipes we often prepare in our historic homes at Sauder Village. Enjoy the celebration!
Buttermilk Pie (from the Buckeye Cookery, published 1877)
½ heaping cup sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup butter, softened
¾ cup buttermilk
1 apple, thinly sliced
grated nutmeg
Beat together the sugar and eggs. Add butter and beat thoroughly. Add the buttermilk and mix thoroughly. Line the pie tin with crust. Lay apple slices on crust. Fill the crust with the mixture. Add a little nutmeg on top as garnish if desired and bake with no upper crust. Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes until set.
Grandma Roth’s Breakfast Pie (makes 2 pies)
Combine the following and reserve 1 cup for crumbs:
2 cups flour
½ cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
½ tsp. soda
Mix the following and add to flour mixture to make batter:
¾ cup warm water
½ tsp. soda
½ cup Dark Karo
Mix the following and pour into 9” unbaked pie crust:
¾ cup warm water
¾ cup Dark Karo
Slowly pour batter over the above. Sprinkle with crumbs on top and bake 50-60 minutes at 375 degrees.