Celebrate National Pie Day in the US and Reflect on British Pie Week Festivities!
National Pie Day: A Delicious Tradition in America
Every January 23rd, pie enthusiasts across the United States indulge in their love for pastry. National Pie Day is a cherished tradition that encourages people to celebrate all things pie-related. It all began in the mid-1970s when Charlie Papazian, a school teacher from Colorado, declared his birthday as a day to celebrate pies. Unlike National Pi Day, which honors the mathematical constant, National Pie Day is all about indulging in your favorite pastry delights.
What's a pie, you ask? It's essentially a baked dish, typically made of pastry dough casing filled with sweet or savory ingredients. From the classic apple pie to the rich chocolate cream pie, this day is all about variety. Families often gather together to bake, share recipes, and enjoy these delectable creations. Pies aren't just desserts, though; they hold a sense of nostalgia and tradition in many households.
Reflecting Back on British Pie Week
Even as we celebrate National Pie Day, we can't ignore the longer, pie-centric event across the pond—British Pie Week. Taking place annually in early March, British Pie Week is a chance for pie makers and fans alike to dive into the heartier side of pie. Traditionally, the British are known for their savory pies, featuring meats and veggies enveloped in crisp, flaky pastry.
British Pie Week 2025 was a celebration of culinary creativity. Participants showcased their skills by creating pies with innovative fillings while respecting traditional ingredients. Popular options during this week include steak and kidney pie, shepherd's pie, and chicken pie. These savory delights are perfect comfort food, especially in the cooler months.
These two events, separated by an ocean and a month, bring to light the contrasting yet complementary pie traditions in the US and the UK. While American pies often lean towards sweetness, the British focus on savory elements. However, both cultures celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing through these hearty dishes.
Whether you're a fan of a sweet peach lattice pie or a savory beef and ale pie, these celebrations offer a chance not just to feast but to connect over shared culinary heritage. So, grab a fork— there’s a whole world of pie to explore!