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February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day #NationalCherryPieDay. Looks like Charlie and I need to get into the kitchen and make a Cherry Pie for David’s Uncle Dougie because Cherry Pie is his favorite and no. one ever makes him a Pie which I know he would love. Would you like to help Charlie and I and we can also make a Cherry Pie for your family.
National Cherry Pie Day is on February 20th with all its Fruity, Buttery goodness, people have there forks ready to devour this delicious dessert in all its forms. Including homemade or store-bought everything is better with Cherry Pie isn’t it?
With National Cherry Pie Day being celebrated only a few days after Presidents’ Day, it is believed that this Pie flavor was chosen for its significance to George Washington and the myth created by his biographer about Washington’s honesty when he cut down his father’s Cherry Tree.
If your #Homeschooling your students today would be a good day to study George Washington and why he cut down his father’s Cherry Tree. You could have your children use different styles of art. You could have them create a Cherry Tree to decorate the dinning table with.
When you serve the Cherry Pie they will be making in there #Cooking Class. For reading your students could read My Little Golden Book About George Washington. In #music you could find songs about Pies or George Washington for your students to learn.
Then you could let your students know the first Pie dates back as far as 9500 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Known for their love of sweets and Meats, Egyptians usually made Pies with Honey and Dates, which were encased in reeds, as the filling of a Pie was only meant to be eaten. It is believed that the Romans learned about Pies from the Greeks who then introduced this delectable dish to the rest of Europe.
Devoured only by royalty and the wealthy, the Pie continued its culinary impact in Medieval Europe as early Tupperware for baking, carrying, and storing food. Even though the reeds had now changed to a Pastry made of Flour and Water, it was still inedible due to its thickness, hardness, and lack of flavor. The filling was still the main part of the dish, predominantly made of Meat and Seafood. As the shape of Pie evolved into a narrow dish, the Pie bases were called ‘Coffyns’.
In the 1500s, Fruit Pies were introduced and became popular. The Cherry Pie is believed to have made its first appearance during this time and was presented to Queen Elizabeth I. Pies first came to America with the early English Settlers, along with Cherry Trees, which were different from those that became native.
The tradition of not eating the Pie casing was still maintained. But it was during the American Revolution between 1775 and 1783 that the term ‘Coffyn’ changed to ‘Crust’ and, not long after, became something to eat as part of your Pie and not just to protect or store its content.
The Cherry Pie is one of America’s favorite Pie fillings, traditionally made with Tart Cherries instead of sweet Cherries, Morello Cherries, or Native Black Cherries. This tasty dessert is great with large amounts of Ice Cream or Whipped Cream ie Cool Whip.
National Cherry Pie Day Activities
- If you have the means today take the opportunity to make a mouth-watering homemade Cherry Pie and you can find a great recipes online.
- Or reconnect with tradition and practice making an old family recipe passed down from generation to generation.
- Remember you do not have to be an avid baker to enjoy the festivities of National Cherry Pie Day. Why not treat yourself and those special to you with a local bakery purchased Pie and devour either at home or enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant. Add Whipped Cream or Ice Cream and enjoy!
- Did you know there are other ways to celebrate National Cherry Pie Day if you are not into Cherry Pie purchase Pie-themed clothes or jewelry? Pop-art inspired designs of Cherry Pies with catchy slogans can be found on T-shirts and scarves or on earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.
Facts About Pie!
- You are not alone if you are thinking warm and happy thoughts while reading about National Cherry Pie Day because surveys show that almost 50% of Americans think comforting thoughts when the word ‘Pie’ is mentioned.
- Did you know in Kansas, it was illegal to serve Ice Cream with Cherry Pie? Isn’t that crazy? Although we don’t have to worry about his old law because the law was repealed in the 1960s.
- During the 1900s, Fruit Pies were considered a common breakfast option, especially if there was a long day ahead. My dad would have liked knowing this because he believed in dessert for breakfast and I do to. How about you?
- Cherry Pie is America’s fifth favorite filling option, number one being Apple which I love. What about you? Followed by Pumpkin, Pecan David’s favorite, and Banana Cream.
- Did you know Pie Crusts were originally used to preserve the Filling? The Pastry itself was extremely hard and inedible.
Why People Love National Cherry Pie Day
Nothing is better when eating a slice or two of Cherry Pie than the perfect accompaniment of Cream, Whipped or poured. Or, as seen in those famous mouthwatering food ads, topping a slice of Pie with a Vanilla Ice Cream as it melts luxuriously over the Buttery Pastry and filling.
Don’t forget you can share a whole Pie with the family at home because Pies can make a great celebration centerpiece instead of the traditional Cake. Or why not share a slice of Pie with a friend while catching up on events since you last spoke?
Cherry Pie never has to be boring and can be created to your own taste. Whether you love Grandma’s traditional Pie with its Buttery short-crust Pastry and beautiful designs, or Cherry Pies with a more modern flair using other Pastries including Filo or Puff Pastry, or even deep-fried Pies encased in a light crispy batter. The options are endless.
Recipe for Cherry Pie
1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1: Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie, using 9-inch glass pie plate 2: Spoon pie filling into crust-lined plate. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Brush top crust with milk; sprinkle with sugar. Cut slits in several places on top crust. 3 : Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown. After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Cool at least 1 hour before serving
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
