A holiday of pies
Most people measure the joy and frivolity of their holiday with how many parties they attended, the gifts they received and the family and friends they reconnected with.
And that’s all good and well, and should be done. But I think we overlook some of the most important players of the holidays: the pies. After all, pies are just memories and joy wrapped into dishes of crust and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. When you think of pie, you think of Christmas Eve at your mother’s house, of Thanksgiving with the sister you never get to see because she works across the world of the hope of the New Year at a family barbecue.
Besides, pie is just delicious. Particularly holiday pie. There’s just something extra tasty about it.
It all began with Thanksgiving. There was a grand pumpkin pie my mother made….
A pecan pie that inspired Tuesday’s ode to pecan pies that I made….
And then, at Christmas, we had more pecan pie… (I didn’t write an ode to it for nothing…)
German Apple Pie….
Which was beloved so much my darling husband’s family immediately went back for seconds…and thirds…
It didn’t last through the night.
And of course, the last pie my father-in-law brought espiecially for me.
He even smacked Ben’s hand away when he tried to steal a bite. He knows that I turn into a growling, snarling beast if anyone tries to steal any of my peanut butter pie. It’s really phenomenal, ya’ll. If you’re ever in Shreveport, go to the Southfield Grill. It’s my father in-law’s restaurant, the birthplace of this pie. And once you’ve been there, you’ll never leave. You can’t. It’s too tasty.
![LM-sweety_pies_cover_226722_7_thumb[1]](http://www.aduckinherpond.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/LM-sweety_pies_cover_226722_7_thumb1-300x300.jpg "LM-sweety_pies_cover_226722_7_thumb[1]")
It was a wonderful holiday of pies, and with all the tasty pie cookbooks I got for Christmas, it promises to be a fabulous pie year…
After all, ya’ll, January 23 is National Pie Day.
I think some pecan pie would be a perfect way to celebrate, don’t you?
The World’s Best Pecan Pie recipe (from Tuesday’s Ode)
From Karo Syrup
1 cup Karo light corn syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (my addition)
2 Tblspn butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup pecans (I used two cups)
One 9 inch pie crust
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Mix syrup, eggs, butter, sugars, vanilla in mixing bowl. Mix in pecans. Pour into pie crust.
3) Bake for 60-70 minutes until center reaches 200 degrees F. Another way to tell is to lightly tap the surface of the pie–it should bounce back.
4) Let pie cool 2 hours before serving–very important!
Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! Tomorrow we have a new Dallas Jean and Saturday, a new tale from the Land of the Flowered Bed! Stay tuned!
January 7th, 2010 at 3:13 am
You know, I’ve never been much for pie, but your enthusiasm makes me think I ought to give it another try! Stopping by from SITS to say hello this morning. Happy Thursday, have an awesome day!
January 7th, 2010 at 3:16 am
I’ve never heard of German apple pie before! Sounds delicious!
January 7th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Looks like a super cookbook! Hope to see a lot of pies made in the Pond this year!
January 7th, 2010 at 3:57 am
Now I’m starving at 6:45 am!! They look delicious.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:09 am
I would love a piece of the PB pie!! but you know, I would turn down one of the others either!
January 7th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Hey pie lover! I dig how much you love pies. I have to remember to post a pie on 1/23. I don’t make them too often. Hope you had fantastic New Year!!!
January 7th, 2010 at 6:19 am
your making me so hungry!
January 7th, 2010 at 6:22 am
YUMM!! That PB pie looks delicious!
January 7th, 2010 at 6:32 am
Only 1 piece of PB pie. Did FIL eat the rest???
January 7th, 2010 at 7:11 am
I love fruit pies most of all. What a great book!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Those pies all look really yummy! I would love to try peanut butter pie
January 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
I have to go home and compare that to mine. I do use light corn syrup, so I think it’s pretty similar…
January 7th, 2010 at 8:04 am
I’m going to try this a compare it with mine…….that might be hard…I dump and pour and don’t measure much
January 7th, 2010 at 8:08 am
My mouth is watering. All the pies look so delicious!
January 7th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Mmmmmm, pie.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Yum! I love pies! I will definitely have a pie-themed makeover event in a near future, that’ll be fun!
January 7th, 2010 at 8:25 am
I love pies. I never had German apple before, will we be seeing that recipe?
Mimi
January 7th, 2010 at 8:49 am
The German Apple Pie caught my attention! I am copying and pasting your pecan pie recipe to print out.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Mmmm … pies… drool …
…
January 7th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Hooray National Pie Day! BTW that German apple pie looks awesome…did I miss the recipe for that? I need it
January 7th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Oh Duckie – and I’m trying to be so good. Now I want some pie! I will take some of that Boston Cream Pie – that looks too good to be true!
I hope 2010 is going well for everyone at the Pond so far! Love you Duckie!
XOXO
Jen
January 7th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I thought you had to use dark corn syrup for pecan pie? I’ll be working more on pies later in the year, really! But I’m going to try to make a pie on the 23rd. Remind me, OK? Pretty Please?
January 7th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Oy vey.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Pie is indeed what makes life bearable. When life gets you down, you just have to remember that pie exists!
You really should roast a chicken. Just season it, stuff a lemon and some herbs in the cavity, and stick the thing in the oven. It doesn’t hurt to put a little herb butter under the skin. Go for it.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:18 am
You are right that we often remember and measure events by the quality of food. I love that you have different types of pies at each holiday!
January 7th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Great pies Duckie. Can you believe I have never tastes Peanut Butter pie? I know. And I love peanut butter too. I must find me a good recipe. That cookbook looks good? I may have to check it out! xxoo
January 7th, 2010 at 10:38 am
What a sweet post:-)
January 7th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Another delciously mouth-watering post!
January 7th, 2010 at 10:52 am
You must be so excited for pie day!!
January 7th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Yummmmmmmm peanut butter pie!
January 7th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Wished I lived closer…would love to help you sample all those pies!! Thanks for cluing me on National Pie Day. I have copied your pie recipe and will make time to make it on the 23rd um ish…probably. Now no fair teasing, what is different about that pet shop? I rushed over here after your comment thinking hoping that I was going to get to find out!
January 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
I think I just got diabetes from looking at the pics and could care less! You are the Queen of Pies- love that about you- my mom LOVES pies, but not nearly as much as you do!
xoox
kHm
January 7th, 2010 at 11:55 am
This sounds decadent enough to be absolutely perfect! I’m envious. Good thing I like you or I’d point the health police your way
.
January 7th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Holy Toledo! YUM I just had a pie explosion in my brain. YUM!
January 7th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Love all the pie photos. Ironic, too, because my parents are visiting tonight and I’ve got all the makings for an applie pie out on the counter. Planned on posting the recipe soon too b/c it’s made with maple syrup instead of sugar.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Yum! Those pies look great! Thanks for stopping by my blog
January 7th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
All those pies look incredible!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
you know, i barely got any pie this year, for shame! they all look wonderful
ps, for the sandwich, i used wheat bread, but sourdough would be WONDERFUL too!
January 7th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I think of all those peanut butter pie would be my favorite too!
I won’t stop reading your blog!! I will always have time for my favorites.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
All those pictures are making me drool a bit…yum. That apple one especially. And peanut butter pie is awesome.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
You’re just trying to make me fat aren’t you? LOL That peanut butter pie looks delicious. Oh that book looks really “sweet”!!
January 7th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I’ve never made a pecan pie – I totally want to now. This recipe looks amazing.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
My faves all around are pecan pie, lemon meringue and turtle pie. Yum.
January 7th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
What a cute little cookbook! I love pecan pie! It’s one of my faves right next to blueberry. But I’ve never made one. I should try this!
January 7th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Souns delish~I’ve been having a chocolate jones, but this defintely could satisfy the ol’ sweet tooth!!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Your pies look so delicious. It’s tempting me to share with you my award winning pie – yuummmmm – but I’m on a diet now so I better not!
I have an award for you over at my place! So swim on over to my pond!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Duckie! I can’t believe that you’re going on a review of Souther and soul food and I’m not coming. Oh me oh my, that’s a dream day for me!
Oh and how sweet is your FIL getting you that PB pie!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Actually, I only like pie during the holidays – something in the atmosphere, I suppose!
And just an FYI I’m on my way over for our breakfast dessert dinner. Cinnamon rolls? Yum!!
January 7th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
These pies look wonderful!!
January 7th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
That’s true: pies are just delicious! Excellent recipe!
January 8th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Hi there, stopping by from SITS. I’m from Dallas, live in Houston. Don’t come to our beaches to warm up…it’s just as cold down here!
SUPER cute site by the way, love the layout.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Duckie, sit down a second I’ve got something to tell you. I didn’t have ANY pie lasy month. I know, I know, I know but my pie crust making abilities need a lot of work. Pie making makes me very nervous.
Btw, we’re doing fine…trying to get back into the rhythm of things which includes blogging and reading blogs. I’m really sorry I haven’t been stopping by more. I still LUV YA!
~ingrid
January 8th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Help me!!! I’m in pie coma now!!!
January 8th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
That peanut butter pie looks divine!!!!
I am allergic to pecans. Is that crappy or what???
January 8th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Yep! Preggers again! We are expecting #3 on July 3rd (give or take). I haven’t been my blogging self though. I feel like I haven’t been over here in forever! Hopefully I’ll be back to my blogging self again soon.
January 9th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Shut up! You get to have those regularly from his restaurant? Very cool.
January 10th, 2010 at 9:12 am
oh, peanut butter pie! I haven’t had one in forever! I may need to dig out a recipe. Yum, yum, yum!
January 10th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Ah need some of that pie, now!
January 13th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Sadly, I love not pecan pies.
However, my father feels very differently.
So have no fear, this recipe will not go to waste in my home.