Thanksgiving Pies We All Love
Pie is a popular dessert enjoyed across the United States during traditional Thanksgiving dinners, from the warm and spiced apple pie to the rich sweetness of pecan, pumpkin, and sweet potato pies. Let’s learn more about them!
Thanksgiving is the time for family, gratitude, and, of course, pie! From the warm, spiced filling of apple pie to the rich sweetness of pecan, pumpkin, and sweet potato pies, these desserts are staples on many holiday tables. But what makes each of these pies so special, and why do they continue to be favorites year after year? In this post, we’ll explore the delicious history, key ingredients, and unique flavors of these four classic pies that bring comfort and joy to Thanksgiving dinner.
Apple Pie
Apple pie, a Thanksgiving favorite, comes from England but became iconic in America thanks to apples brought over by European settlers. Popular apple types like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for pies because they’re tart and hold their shape when baked. Apples grow best in sunny places with good soil, and in order to grow, they need pollinators like bees to help pollinate their flowers. It takes 5-10 apples to make a pie, and the process is simple: mix sliced apples with sugar and spices, tuck them into a crust, cover, and bake until golden. Serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or a slice of cheddar for a delicious treat!
Bonus: learn how to make a yummy apple pie from this My American Farm game recipe.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a Southern classic with roots in Native American cooking. Pecans like Pawnee, Sioux, and Native varieties are used because they’re flavorful and rich. Pecans grow on trees in warm areas and need sunlight, water, and careful harvesting. For a 9-inch pie, you’ll need about 2 cups of pecans. To make it, mix eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and butter, pour it into a crust, top with pecans, and bake. Top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special Thanksgiving dessert.
Bonus: Check out our Tree Nut Ag Mag Mini and My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me by Roxanne Troup to learn more about harvesting pecans and how a tree nut grows!
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is all about creamy texture and a not-so-sweet pumpkin flavor. It’s made using cooking pumpkins like Sugar Pie pumpkins, which are small, sweet, and full of flavor. Pumpkins grow in sunny fields and need plenty of water to thrive. One medium pumpkin makes enough puree for a pie. Making the pie is easy: mix pumpkin puree with eggs, cream, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, pour into a crust and bake. Add whipped cream or ice cream to make this cozy dessert even better!
Bonus: Check out this fun read, The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich, and discover a delicious pumpkin pie recipe inside! You can also learn more about different types of pumpkins in this blog post.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie, a Southern favorite, uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Jewel for their natural sweetness and smooth texture. Sweet potatoes grow in warm climates and take a few months to mature. About 1-1.5 pounds of sweet potatoes is enough for one pie. The filling is made by mashing cooked sweet potatoes and mixing them with eggs, milk, sugar, butter, and spices. Bake it in a crust and enjoy it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday delight!
Bonus: Learn more about sweet potatoes in this America’s Heartland video!
Want to learn more? Check out some of these great resources:
My American Farm Game – Let’s Make Something Tasty
References:
Gold Belly Link: https://blog.goldbelly.com/history-of-apple-pie/#Where_did_apple_pie_originate_from
Tasting Table: https://www.tastingtable.com/1100290/types-of-pecans-explained/
Millican Pecan: https://millicanpecan.com/blogs/pecan-orchards/your-ultimate-guide-to-pecan-varieties-finding-the-best-tasting-pecans
The Daily Meal Link: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1437899/history-pumpkin-pie/
The Library of Congress Link: https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2017/11/a-brief-history-of-pumpkin-pie-in-america/
Southern Bite: https://southernbite.com/classic-sweet-potato-pie/
Tasting Table: https://www.tastingtable.com/1121533/the-best-type-of-sweet-potato-to-use-for-pie/
Daily Meal: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1459278/how-to-choose-best-sweet-potatoes-for-pie/
