National Pie Day originated in the USA mid-1970s. It came to be after nuclear engineer, brewer and teacher Charlie Papazian declared his own birthday, January 23rd, to be National Pie Day. Since 1986, National Pie Day has been sponsored and endorsed by the American Pie Council. It is as simple as it seems – a day to celebrate, eat and create delicious pies!
There is something so comforting and hearty about a really good pie. Whether it’s a quick lunch after a morning at the beach or made with love and shared with your family, pies have become part of our Australian culture. In honour of National Pie Day, we’ve collected a few of our favourite pie recipes for you to try out!
Banoffee Pie
Gaining its name from the uncomplicated combination of ‘banana’ and ‘toffee’, this deliciously simple pie originated in England. Originally, the pie contained coffee as well! The recipe was first published in The Deeper Secrets of the Hungry Monk in 1974 and was reported as Margaret Thatcher’s favourite food to cook. Banoffee pie has almost become an Australian classic. It appears over and over at BBQ’s and group dinners – embraced because basically anyone can make it! Check out the recipe and give it a go.
Apple Pie
Ahhh the traditional apple pie. There’s not many who can say they’ve never had it, and most families have a recipe they love. It can be made so many ways and can even be bulked out with something cheap and flavorless like chokos! This is due to the sweetness of apples and the powerful flavor of the spices used – you can’t even tell the filling is not all apples! This recipe, however, has no tricks – it’s the real deal.
Mozzarella, Semi-dried Tomato and Chorizo filo Pies
These mozzarella, semi-dried tomato and chorizo pies look simply delicious. They could be the perfect entrée or finger food for your next party or get-together. There’s something fairly foolproof about the combination of cheese, meat and pastry!
Pumpkin Pie
Although it’s popularity is somewhat of a mystery to those who live outside the USA, the pumpkin pie is a staple for ‘fall’ and especially Thanksgiving. The first pumpkin pies were made in the 1600’s and were baked in a hollowed out pumpkin shell instead of pastry! We think the modern version is a much tastier option, and perfect for when the colder weather comes around. If you haven’t tasted this before, it’s a deliciously balanced sweet/savoury dessert with nutmeg and cinnamon – yum!
Spinach and Ricotta Pie
This is a great option for those trying to eat less meat, or those who opt for a vegetarian diet. It’s also a lighter choice at just 200 calories per serve. The delicious combination of cheese and spinach is well established and is beautifully executed in this recipe. If you’re nervous about making your own pastry, don’t be! This recipe calls for store-bought, and you’ll barely notice a difference if your filling is this tasty.
Pecan Pie
Another traditionally American dessert is the pecan pie – although we are more than happy to share this one! Butter, caramel and pecan nuts – there’s not much more you need for a delicious and satisfying afternoon tea! The flavours would pair perfectly with your favourite hot drink.
Chicken Pot Pie
Yummmm. The best winter nights are coming home to a warm, creamy and delicious pie ready for dinner. This recipe is great – and can also be adapted to use whatever you have left in the fridge before grocery day! Pot pies are said to have originated in Greece. Interestingly, cooks from the Roman Empire era would sometimes make pot pies with a living bird that would burst through the pie shell when cut and fly out. Clearly, here lies the inspiration for the nursery rhyme ‘Sing a Song of Sixpence’!
Chocolate Pie
Chocolate. Pie. There isn’t much more we need to say, is there? Chocolate is that wonderfully magic ingredient that can improve almost any category of food. This this recipe looks absolutely amazing!!
Lemon Meringue Pie
Using citrus and fruit to flavor desserts is one of the oldest recorded baking techniques. Meringue was perfected in the 17th century, but lemon meringue pie, as it is known today, is a 19th-century product. The earliest recorded recipe was attributed to Alexander Frehse, a Swiss baker from Romandy. Today it is enjoyed many different ways all over the world. It even has it’s own day for celebration on the 15th of August each year.
Aussie Beef Pie
Whether we are enjoying a full-sized mince pie around the table with family, or hastily eating one from our favourite pie shop on the way to the beach, the Aussie meat pie is part of our food culture! There is no doubt many of these delicious pies will be consumed across the country this weekend as we celebrate this wonderful country.
If this blog has left you craving a pie, we totally understand. Head to Hastings Coffee Co. where the pie of the day is always changing! You can also join us at The Westport Club this weekend to sample our version of the Aussie Beef Pie – as well as a whole lot of fun for Australia Day!
