Scrumptious Pi Day Pie Recipes

March 14 is a day to celebrate one of the few (if not only) mathematical holidays – Pi Day.  The symbol Pi represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and is commonly known as 3.14, though the digits beyond the decimal continue infinitely.  Typically, celebrations play on the name of the number (hence the celebration on 3/14), and include lots and lots of pie.  To get in the mathematical groove, whip up one of these tasty pies for your own Pi party.  Just top it off with 3.14 written in icing and you are good to go!

Chocolate Cream Pie
This simple pie is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/4 cup flour or cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 pie shell

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until just combined. 
2. In a large pot, mix together cocoa, flour or cornstarch, the beaten egg yolks, sugar, and salt. 
3. Add the milk gradually, and turn the burner on to medium-high heat. 
4. Cook the mix until it becomes thick and smooth, stirring constantly for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Once it becomes thick, remove from heat and add vanilla.
6. Pour into a homemade or pre-made pie shell and put in the fridge to chill.
7. Add whipped cream and serve.

Lemon Meringue Pie
The zing of citrus in this pie will certainly brighten your day.  Plus, it is super easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 can condensed milk
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 pie shell
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Prick the pie shell on the bottom with a fork, then bake until light brown.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
3. Separate eggs, and put the egg whites in a small, clean mixing bowl.
4. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and zest until the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Pour filling mixture into the pie shell.
6. To make the meringue, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
7. Add sugar and vanilla and continue to beat the mix until shiny, stiff peaks form.
8. Use a spatula to spread the meringue over the top of the pie, pressing lightly and lifting the spatula slightly to make soft peaks.
9. Bake until peaks turn golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and place on a rack to cool.  Enjoy when cooled, or refrigerate to eat later.
     

Blackberry Pie
Fruit pies can be made out of season, and this one proves that they can still be delicious by using easier (and cheaper) frozen blackberries.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp flour
• A dash of salt
• 1 lb bag of frozen blackberries
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Pie shell w/ top pie crust
• 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, fold together sugar, flour, salt, blackberries, and lemon juice.  Pour into prepared pie shell.
3. Cut the 2 tablespoons of butter into small squares and place evenly over the berries.
4. Cover with a top crust – either a whole crust with a few slits or sliced into lattice form.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
6. Serve warm or cold.
    

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie (aka Reese’s Pie)
This no-bake recipe makes about 2 8-inch pies, or a 9-inch pie and a little extra to nosh on.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 9-inch graham cracker crust, or 2 8-inch graham cracker crusts
• Chocolate pudding mix
• Milk
• Whipped cream
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter together until smooth.
2. Press the peanut mix into a graham cracker crust to form the bottom peanut butter layer.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, prepare the chocolate pudding mix according to the pie making directions on the box. Pour over peanut butter layer
4. Refrigerate for at least one hour, then cover with whipped cream and chopped up Reese’s candies.