Of all of the dorky holidays that we celebrate, Pi Day might be my favorite. Though I’d never describe myself as a math person, any holiday that honors an entire genre of dessert is worth celebrating in my eyes. In case you missed that unit in school, pi is a useful number used to calculate the circumference of a circle. It’s irrational, meaning that it goes on forever, but the first three digits are 3.14, giving us a reason to celebrate pies on March 14 every year.
Pie is and will always be one of my favorite categories of food: you can make it as simple or challenging as you like and fill it with whatever suits your fancy. Is there any other food group that so easily dances between savory and sweet? As long as you have a crust—some kind of crust—I can make an argument that it’s a pie.
I’ve collected a few of my favorite dishes that celebrate things that come in crusts that you can bake for your Pi Day parties this year.
Classic Fruit Pies
You probably already guessed that the classic fruit pies would be on this list. Whoever decided that baked fruit belonged in a container made from flaky, salty, buttery pastry is a genius. It’s a classic because it works, plain and simple. Even though mid-March in Chicago is a hard time to use fresh fruits, you can still make an amazing fruit pie. Either use those berries you froze in a panic this summer when you overbought at the farmers’ market or opt for a more year-round option, like apples. If all else fails, try a lemon meringue pie for a bright, seasonal option.
Savory Galettes
I love making galettes. Instead of a tin, the galette is made on a sheet tray and is much more freeform—and more forgiving of mistakes for that reason! I love making galettes, and though I’ve made them with the traditional fruit pie fillings, I’ve grown to love them with savory fillings especially. Mushrooms and goat cheese, crumbled chorizo and peppers, thinly sliced potatoes and rosemary…. the list goes on and on!
Pizza Pies
I can’t give you a list of pies to enjoy without including a pizza pie. What better way to celebrate Pi Day in Chicago than with a deep dish pizza pie? Try your hand at making a deep dish pizza at home this year. Invest in a cast iron pan (sold at The Chopping Block!) and get baking.
Hand Pies
If you have extra pie crust laying around or you’re not feeling up to weaving a perfect lattice crust, try making a hand pie to celebrate. Cut the pie dough out in circles, half circles, or even rectangles and then add the filling on top. Top the filling with the same shape, crimp it with a fork, and hey! A hand pie has emerged.
In case you feel like you need a lesson on baking, don't’ forget to check out The Chopping Block’s baking classes this month. Here are just a few that are on my list!
- Hands-On Artisanal Breads Boot Camp Saturday, March 15 10am
- Hands-On How to Bake Bread: New Menu Saturday, April 12 11am
- Hands-On Chocolate Boot Camp Saturday, April 19 10am
- Hands-On Neapolitan Pizzeria Saturday, April 19 11am
