COMMENTARY

Any day is fit for a pie, but especially Thursday

1/20/2014
BY JANET ROMAKER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

One time, when learning to make a pie crust, I threw a fit and angrily tossed a wad of dough against the kitchen wall.

I figured if spaghetti is thrown in such a manner to see if it is done, then smacking the wall with practice dough might indicate how good — yes, how bad — things were going.

Luckily, I didn’t toss the rolling pin as well.

Today, making a blue-ribbon flaky crust is a piece of cake. When it came to creating amazing pie crusts (no brag, just fact), Mom and I were like two peas in a pod. The learning curve made me a little nutty, but practice paid off. So don’t be chicken about making homemade pie crusts; keep at it.

“Food-isms” pepper our every-day conversation.

Wow, that’s going to leave a bruise the size of a walnut. She’s as sweet as candy.

Holy Strawberries Batman! We’re in a jam. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Catch the ball, butter fingers.

You don’t know beans about it. You’re comparing apples to oranges. Quit waffling and finish the pie chart before the meeting starts.

Hot dog! Another snow day.

We’re milking it here, but oh fudge, is it any wonder we observe special days throughout the year dedicated to foods from A to Z (think asparagus to zucchini). You could get plum tuckered out reading the lists.

Lettuce elaborate.

Thursday is National Pie Day. Here in northwest Ohio, holiday participants include Sauder Village in Archbold where the wholesome goodness of pie will be celebrated with specials on pie at the Doughbox Bakery and discounts on slices of pie at the Barn Restaurant.

National Pie Day focuses on enjoying America’s favorite dessert and sharing it with friends and loved ones, shared Brian Slee, manager of Sauder Village’s Doughbox Bakery where the staff continues from-scratch traditions. Bakers crack eggs, blend in sugar and flour. They use lard for pie crusts that are crimped by hand.

To tempt customers, and to celebrate National Pie Day, the Doughbox Bakery is offering $1 off pies, plus free samples, while supplies last. The bakery will be open on National Pie Day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The drive-thru window opens at 6:30 a.m.

Each year bakery employees make nearly 19,000 pies.

According to information from Sauder Village, pie recipes came ashore in America with the first English settlers. As in the Roman times, the early American pie crusts often were not eaten. Rather, crusts cradled filling in place 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.

Why generation-after-generation fascination with the crusty dessert? Mr. Slee has an easy-as-pie answer. Think back to those Sundays at home. A pot roast for dinner, followed later with a fresh-baked apple pie.

Pie, he said, is “very comforting food,” particularly in the winter when aromas of baked apples with cinnamon warm up the house. “I think that is why they have National Pie Day in January. It is a comforting thing.”

He also shared a tip for “gluing” together top and bottom crusts. Dab milk onto the edge of the bottom crust before putting the top crust in place. The milk will make a tighter seal.

Of the more than 40 varieties of pies, Peanut Butter Cream pie is at the top of the Doughbox Bakery’s popularity chart with customers, followed closely by Dutch Peach and Cherry. The bakery’s pies also are sold at The Andersons in Maumee, Toledo, and Sylvania, Mr. Slee said.

This is the third year Sauder Village has taken part in National Pie Day. Mr. Slee would like to sell upwards of 120 pies on Thursday.

The American Pie Council, founder of National Pie Day, suggests ways to celebrate the “holiday,” such as taking a pie to police or fire personnel as a token of appreciation.

While some foods get a day, others get an entire month of celebration; others get a designation for a week.

Fort instance, based on information online at holidays-and-observances.com, January is known as Artichoke and Asparagus Month; Bread Machine Baking Month, and National Oatmeal Month, among others.

Also coming up: National Peanut Butter Day, National Peanut Brittle Day, Chocolate Cake Day, National Blueberry Pancake Day, and National Corn Chip Day.

Others that capture our interest, or at least our curiosity:

  • National Bagels and Lox Day - Feb. 9
  • National Crown Roast of Pork Day - March 7
  • National Egg Salad Week - April 21-27

While you chew on the lists, remember this week’s celebration. Have a slice of pie.

Speaking of ... when, you might ask, is National Throw Your Pie Crust On The Wall Day? Perhaps it is held in conjunction with National Do A Grouch a Favor Day.