Pi Day

Remember Pi? π? 3.14159, the numerical value of the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter? Well, apparently it has a day, and it is TODAY!

Pi Day is an annual celebration commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (or 3/14 in the American month/day date format), since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π in decimal form. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day.

Do not confuse Pi Day with National Pie Day, which is held annually on January 23. This holiday was started in the mid-1970s by Boulder, Colorado teacher Charlie Papazian after he declared his birthday to be National Pie Day. This should not be confused with Pi Day which the U.S. Congress recognizes as March 14.

Pi or Pie, with the rain outside I thought it will be a good day for some baking, so wanted to remind some savory pie basics that if followed will guarantee each pie you bake is a success.

A savory pie, sometimes referred to as quiche, just like every mathematical problem, is made out of 3 parts: the crust, the filling and the “extras”.

• The crust can be a classic crunchy dough or puff pastry, and should be partially baked before filling it to insure a crunchy and not doughy bite.
• The filling, or in French cooking terms, ROYAL, is a mix of eggs, heavy cream, some flour and sometimes some spices and herbs. Along with the “extra” this is the main body of the pie.
• The extras are actually the main part of the pie, and what you will name the pie after, could be almost anything, from vegetables and leafs to meats and pickles. They need some initial preparation so they will not liquefy the filling and be fully cooked when the pie is baked.

Once the crust is partially baked (aka “baking blind”),the extras are arranged over it, and the royal is poured almost to the rim. Baking in medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes will suffice for most pies.

Need some pie ideas? recipes? pointers? Why not schedule a pie cooking class with us? Master crust preparation, and learn how to prepare colored greens and leeks pie, classic mushroom pie, eggplant and Feta pie and other pies of your liking.

Happy Pi Day an Happy Baking!