American Pie jokes aside, pie has become synonymous with American culture. From apple to rhubarb to banana cream, it seems like there’s nothing one can’t put under a pinched, flaky golden crust. So it should be no huge surprise that we have an American Pie Council and that they created National Pie Day on January 23. And why this date? “Because celebrating the wholesome goodness of pie is as easy as 1-2-3.” Their words, not mine.

“As part of our American heritage, this day is a perfect opportunity to pass on the love and enjoyment of pie eating and pie making to future generations,” states the Council’s website. Celebrating National Pie Day is quite simple: bake a pie, buy a pie, eat a pie, share a pie.

In honor of the holiday, Emile Henry, a cookware and bakeware company, has announced a National Pie Day recipe contest. The winner will receive a $500 Baking Essential Set and a free trip to the 18^th Annual APC/Crisco National Pie Championships in Orlando, Florida. The contest closes January 15 and winners will be announced on National Pie Day.

More locally, SusieCakes bakery will be hosting a Take and Bake Pie Crust Contest. Now until January 21, the bakery will be selling hand-rolled pie crusts for $5. Take it home, bake a pie, and bring it into SusieCakes on Saturday, January 21 from 10am to 3pm. Susan Sarich, the bakery’s founder, will taste the pies at each location and winners will be announced on January 23. Winners will receive gift cards for two nine-inch pies, and of course the honor of “Best Homemade Pie.”

SusieCakes, 2109 Chestnut Street, San Francisco; Tel. 415.474.2253

Image Courtesy of SusieCakes

• Tag: american pie council, emile henry, national pie day, pie, susiecakes