Thank God It's "Pie" Day! {A Pie Celebration ~ Part One}

Thank God it's Pie Day!  Oh yes, honey, it's always a good day for a pie.  A good pie makes people feel good...

That is why it should come as no surprise to me that when I made this blueberry pie for my family, they immediately wanted to know, "What I made it for?"  "Was there some special occasion?"  and "When could we slice it?"  

It was in fact just a regular afternoon, a Monday to be exact.  We had some fresh blueberries on hand so I just decided to, make them a special pie.  That was it.

Now to give it some context, fresh baked goods are a staple in our house.  I mean, my husband is a big cook, I'm a big cook, and it seems like just about every other day, one of my kids has an idea for a "new recipe in their heads, that they want to try and make."  So granted, a fresh-baked treat is no stranger to us, but there was something about this pie that stood out.  

I make pies every now & again, but on this day, I decided to do a little lattice, with flowers, and if that couldn't get any better, the smell wafted down the hallway as it got them out of their rooms, and to the kitchen.  (What can I say? #happymama)

That whole experience opened my eyes to something:  Pies make people feel special.

Say that with me all the way in the back: "Pies make people feel special."

Yes, they really do! 

* * * * 

So, I have teamed up with over a dozen other food bloggers & bakers to turn this month of April into our very own Month of Pie!  But before we do that, let us give the real National Pi-Day its due respect.

National Pi-Day

Did you know that you have the opportunity to indulge in a slice of pie (or two, or three, or.....what a minute, let's not take this too far!) just because, at least two every year?!

Once is, well, we all know the first one, which is Thanksgiving.  And the second is March 14th, also know as National Pi Day (literally for the numerals in the short-form of the pi which is 3.14 or March 14th = pi day).

The celebration of Pi Day started in 1988 by a guy named, Larry Shaw.  And it is celebrated by, eating....you guessed it, pie!

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Without further adu let's just into our first round of extremely delicious, insanely sweet (some super sweet & some not) pies for today.  Shall we?

1. Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Pie

by Rhian's Recipes

This pie just yells, "Jump in my tummy!"  The thick flaky crust and creaming filling layer is not the first thing that you think of when you hear "gluten-free" but that's exactly how delicious this pie actually is! 

2. Crustless Pecan Pie

by Strength & Sunshine

This pie is not only delicious (um, "Hello? Who doesn't' love pecan pie?!") but it's gluten-free, vegan, and paleo!  I mean, "Yes, please!"  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am not gluten-free, vegan, or paleo but if I can be yay-a-bit healthier and enjoy a slice of pie, then I'll take it and Rebecca from Strength & Sunshine just nails it!

3. Homemade Banana Cream Pie

by Cincy Shopper

This pie makes me think of banana pudding.  I literally cannot look at this recipe without thinking about banana pudding.  On the flip side, there are several yummy barbecue dinners that I cannot finish with a cup of banana pudding to top it off.  (wink, wink).

4. Triple Berry Pie

by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are what make this pie complete.  This one is a lot like the mixed berry pie that I made for my family at the top of this post.  There is one difference and that is that Haley cooked her berries down with a super-easy, super-delicious cornstarch & sugar mix before adding it to the pie crust. If you're looking for that perfect quintessential holiday-themed pie, then this one is it.  Top with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, and "Whoop, there it is!"

5. Easy Key Lime Pie

by Dishes with Dad

I'll never forget the first time that I had Key Lime Pie - it was many, many moons ago.  It wasn't long before I learned that Publix was the place to go (outside of a restaurant) if you wanted a really good key lime pie.  This recipe from Dishes with Dad also fits the bill.  With delectable bits of fresh lime zest blended in, your a sure to win the approval of family and friends, from its buttery crust to the bright filling flavor- I think that I'll be having seconds.  Better yet, make it thirds! (lol!)

6. Frozen Peanut Butter Cup Pie

by The Short Order Cook

Where are my Reese's peanut butter fans?  I hear this one calling your names!  Frozen peanut butter, a chocolate cookie crust, iced cold Reese's peanut butter cups, frozen and cut up on top...I can think of a few people that would love this!  If it's sweet, if it's salty if it's chocolatey & peanut buttery... Girl, go and get your crushed chocolate cookie crumbs and make this one.  Okay?

7. Pumpkin Pie Truffles

by Wholesome Family Living

Now, who said that all pies "have" to be in a slice? They don't.  There are hand-pies, and slab pies, and mini pies.  In case you didn't know it, you can also have pie truffles!  Get the essence in one bite of this delicious pumpkin pie without downing a whole slice with it.  "I likes the sound of it."  These rich pumpkin pie bites are not only yummy, but they're a great paleo & vegan option, too!

8. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie - the cream of the crop.  Now listen to me, a good sweet potato pie doesn't take a lot.  Once you have the basics: sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, you're good to go!  Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, then it's done.  Everyone's got a different opinion on how it's served best, but where I'm from, you have it warm that first night, and ice-cold, every night or day thereafter.  *Note:  Should you decide to have a slice for breakfast the next morning, I won't judge ya! 

9. Creamy Grasshopper No-Bake Pie

by Baking Beauty

Perfect for the springtime, Grasshopper pie gets it's name from it's green color. Looking at it, you'd be expecting something with a mint flavor but it's not.  More like a chiffon or no-bake mousse, with a chocolatey crust, served cold, it's just want you'd need to refresh you on a hot summer's day.

10. Hawaiian Chocolate Haupia Pie

by Hawaii Travel with Kids

Can you say, "haupia"?  (It's pronounced how-pee-ah.)  It's like a smooth, creamy, coconut jelly that is just heavenly! While it tastes like coconut, it’s not an overwhelming flavor so it’s easy to pair with lots of things to create tropical desserts.  If you're a standard creamy coconut pie lover, then you're sure to love this one.

11. Homemade Peach Pie

by Modern Meal Makeover

There's nothing better than a fresh peach pie for an easy summer dessert.  Shanna & April bring it homemade peach pie just like Grandma used to make.  I loved the homemade peach pies from my childhood and I know that my kids will love this one!

12. Lemon Icebox Pie

by Family Focus Blog

I love the simplicity of Scarlett's grandmother's lemon ice box pie.  There's something about this recipe that says, Sunday family dinners, long-days-at-school-surprise-for-a-dessert, grandma stops by, plaid couches sort of comfort.  I am so happy that Scarlett chose to share this recipe on my line-up.  I think that I may have just found my new favorite comfort after-dinner treat.

13. Easy Chocolate Blueberry Pie

by Foodal

I don't always put berries and chocolate together unless I am making chocolate-dipped strawberries.  I really love Nikki's combination of adding quality chocolate to the berries before adding it to the pie.  The smooth subtly of the dark chocolate just goes so well with berries here.  Bring me a cup of black coffee, a slice of this pie, a fuzzy blanket, and..... I'm good.

14. Homemade Peach Pie

by Modern Meal Makeover

There's nothing better than a fresh peach pie for an easy summer dessert.  Shanna & April bring it homemade peach pie just like Grandma used to make.  I loved the homemade peach pies from my childhood and I know that my kids will love this one!

14.  Mini Chai-Spiced Pear Pies

by Home Sweet Farm Home

If I am honest, they had me at any type of pie in my own individual miniature little cast iron skillet.  Not to mention, I am a chai girl for days.  This pie recipe just does it for me.  Mmmm, thank you.  Send in the Haggan-Daaz, please!

So which of these wonderful recipes will you try?  Will it be a whole pie or a mini pie?  A handheld pie or pie truffles?  No matter which way you go, as long as you go with pie, I don't think that you could choose a wrong way to go.

Until next time!