Pi Day, a day when math meets mirth, looms on the horizon to add a dash of irrationality to our lives once again. March 14th, otherwise known as 3.14, allows the humble π and pie alike to take center stage. Having written a whole book about pies of the edible variety, naturally, I have a few suggestions on how best to celebrate.
Sweet and Savory Pi Creations
Most pastry, such as pie dough, is best made in advance and thoroughly chilled, so now is the time to plan for the big event. With a strong foundation in place, the kitchen is open to all mathematical possibilities. There’s nothing wrong with a classic apple or cherry filling, but wouldn’t it be more fun to try something new? Calculate ratios of more innovative ingredients to pay proper homage to our favorite never-ending decimal form.
Unleash Your Inner Baking Geek
Pies are an integral part of American culinary culture every day of the year. The phrase “as American as apple pie” didn’t come from nowhere, you know. Though we can’t lay claim to creating the edible art form, an honor that goes to the Ancient Egyptians, I’m ready to carry the torch in making some of the most continuously unconventional slices around. Never repetitive, always well-rounded, here are my top ten pie recipes to solve the perpetual question of how best to enjoy Pi Day.
Top Ten Pie Recipes For Pi Day
Celebrate Pi Day on March 14th with these tried-and-true vegan pie recipes! Sweet, savory, and every one of them is guaranteed to be a hit!
Tomato Pie
Brightened up with additional herbs and garlic, subtle seasonings make a world of difference in banishing blandness, all while still allowing the tomato to take center stage. It’s the kind of recipe that’s so simple that only the best ingredients will do, because you taste each and every one of them.
Asparagus Ruffled Milk Pie (Galatopita)
For a savory take on the classic Greek baked custard, this healthy entree is the stuff of springtime dreams. Fresh mint and lemon zest add bright pops of flavor in every bite, highlighting tender fresh asparagus that's woven throughout the matrix of phyllo and custard.
Roasted Strawberry-Tomato Galette
Strawberries and tomatoes, though seemingly an odd couple, bring out the best in each other for both sweet and savory preparations. Just as comfortable together in a salad as in this free-form pie, the savory, gently acidic bite of the tomatoes serves to accentuate the sweetness of the berries.
Daigaku Imo Pie
Creamy Japanese sweet potatoes take on greater dimension with umami notes of soy sauce, sesame, and rice vinegar in this easy eggless pie.
Frankenstorm Pie (AKA Banana Ganache Pie)
Bananas and chocolate, uncomplicated and unfussy, there would have been no recipe nor record if not for the rave reviews. Silky ganache is lightened by fruity accents and brightened with a light sprinkle of sea salt to finish.
Caramel Corn Pie
Notes of burnt sugar complement a buttery undertone, accented with a good pinch of salt. If you’re craving popcorn, it might be a wise idea to think inside the crust.
Froyo Berry Chiffon Pie
A beauty to behold and a treat to partake in, the real secret to this fluffy frozen pie is how laughably easy it is to whip up. If you’ve ever stood in a kitchen, even once in your life, I think you could manage this recipe with aplomb. Plus, since it’s based on yogurt and jam with no additional sweeteners to speak of, I would feel entirely justified slicing off a generous wedge for breakfast, lunch, or dessert alike.
Strawberry-Chocolate Mousse Pie
Folded in with ample amounts of melted bittersweet chocolate and fresh strawberry puree, this fluffy filling was right at home on top of a thin layer of fresh, sliced strawberries, all in an almond meal and cocoa crust.
Strawberry Cream Pie
Proving that the sum is so often greater than its parts, this humble pie requires a mere seven ingredients, from crust to filling, thanks to the convenient combination of sweetener, filler, and flavor neatly packed up in the form of vegan ice cream. Strawberries and cream are a classic duo in the first place, and they truly shine together in this brilliantly simple ode to spring.
Mystery Pie
A cross between a pavlova and a pastry, this impossible, crustless Depression-era pie rises again as a modern dessert. Made from a short list of basic ingredients, it's an easy win for bakers and eaters alike.