The Cross and the Cleaver: Pie Days

2 days ago

2 minutes read

March 14th is an international Pi (or π) Day, since 3.14 are the first significant figures of π. Or so does the internet tell me, and I have no reason to doubt this one. There is also a National Pie Day on Jan. 23rd, which started in Boulder, CO. About that kind of pie … in a while.

As we live in the times when catch-phrases, one-line memes or bumper stickers, or eye-catching designs are the means of getting someone’s attention. They communicate a thought, the core value, or the heart of the matter. Then it is up to each one of us to go deeper if we choose, to know more so that we might be in the position to have something to say on the matter. Little bit like most of our foodstuff conversations. Keep your mouth shut unless you opened them first to taste the dish.

There is another day celebrated on March 14th. It is a National Affirming Day, also called … you guessed it … PIE Day. PIE stands for Public, Intentional and Explicit. On that day, many LGBTQ+ communities and allies celebrate their identity and diversity. Those celebrations take on many forms, one of them being … you guessed again … PIES!!!! They are perfect for sharing, for building community, for storytelling.

Regardless of your political, moral, or religious convictions, stay with me a little longer. We do not have to agree on everything, but we should keep an open, and curious, mind about various aspects of the world that surround us. Even when (especially when?) we are not sure, or when we disagree. It applies to most of life, from social dynamics to the stuff we cook. Do you remember my story about peanut-butter and pickle sandwiches?

My only complaint about PIE Day celebrations is that all I see and hear about is fruit/dessert pies. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the occasional dessert pie. Though I would much rather share a decent, loaded savory option.

So how about trying something different, something counterintuitive, something that might not seem like making sense. How about we put together some savory and sweet?

I invite you to be curious and courageous. I invite you to the kitchen with me…

IT-MAKES-LITTLE-SENSE PIE
Coat deep casserole dish with butter, or oil, or spray with oil, whatever you have.
Layer the following:
-4 cups of minced meat, browned with 1 cup of chopped onion, and seasoned with salt, pepper, tsp. of each – garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried Italian herbs mix.
-4 cups of mixed sweet peas, sweet corn, and sweet carrots (use cans to save time).
-4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes …. Yes, you read it correctly … mashed sweet potatoes. Mix them with 1 scant cup of shredded smoked cheese and 1 generously overflowing cup of mini marshmallows (go for the rainbow-coloured ones – I dare you!). Season with shot of Bourbon or 1 tbsp. of vanilla extract.
-Once layered, sprinkle some shredded cheese and mini marshmallows on top.
-Bake at 400° for approx. 20-30 minutes until the top begins to brown and bubble.the occasional
-Serve with sweet chili sauce, blueberry-bacon syrup, or bottle of maple syrup and hot sauce each, and have guests drizzle whatever they like.