In the midst of grad school and wedding planning, I was gifted Allison Kave’s pie cookbook. I kept it on my coffee table, leafed through it often, and longed for a day when I would have enough time to whip up a pie. I can have cookies on the table in an hour. But pies. Pies take time. Allison said that she had over 52 pie recipes in her book, enough to make a pie every week of the year.
So I promised myself, when I was free from wedding excel sheets and grueling study sessions and all day Saturday classes, I would take on baking 52 pies.
And I did! The purpose was to celebrate having more time on my hands, and try to get better at making a dessert I wasn’t very good at. I decided to post my pies on Instragram, and the challenge became communal. Hundreds of friends and family cheered me on, and even sent me their favorite recipes. I was gifted solely pie gear for this past year’s christmas and birthday. My pie challenge came up in conversation all the time. People have so many questions. Instead of pie baking tips (you can find those anywhere), I will share about the experience of taking on a baking challenge. Here is what I know about baking 52 pies, via most frequently asked questions.
Did you actually make a pie a week for a year?
I made my first pie on July 12, 2016, and my last pie on August 12, 2017. So, no, but close. Erik and I traveled a lot this year, and some weekends I just needed a break. Some weekends I was on a roll and banged out two or three pies.
Did you make every pie in Allison Kave’s pie cookbook?
No, because I was given so many pie books this past year! Many of Allison’s pies were too complicated for me, since I was truly learning the basics. The pie I aspired to make was her s’mores pie, which was pie # 52. And it was…everything. I had a lot of pie requests that were not in her book, and to be honest, most recipes I found on Pinterest. You can check out my 52 pies Pinterest board, I seriously made most of them.
What was your favorite pie?
Number 1 question. It is so hard to choose one! So I’ll give you three. My favorite fruit was a brown bottom skillet apple pie, straight up sugar was this salted oreo tart, and my favorite quiche was a bacon, tomato, and cheddar. Erik’s favorite pie is this blueberry nectarine crumble.
What was your least favorite pie?
So many pie disasters. This ice cream sundae pie completely melted before I could get it in the freezer, which made all the ice cream topping layers one big soup. The crust became soggy, and we all know that refrozen ice cream is an atrocity. I made this strawberry yogurt pie in a pretzel crust that seemed to have so much promise, and was so gross. Rarely do my pies turn out how I expected them to, but by the end I could pin point what the reason was and note changes for the next one. The sundae pie was just my second pie and I felt so defeated. By halfway through, I developed a thicker skin and sense of humor about my pies, and was quick to say, welp – NEXT.
Are you really good at making pies now?
Hmmm. Yes and no. I got over my fear of making pie crusts from scratch, and but still haven’t quite mastered it. Not all of my pies have been prize worthy, but they have all been fun to make.
Have you gained weight during #52pies?
Yes.
Really! How much?
A lot. About halfway through #52Pies, I started making more savory pies, and limited the sweet ones for get togethers when I could eat a slice and give the rest away. I’ve put on a few, but it’s been worth it.
What are you going to make next?
I’ve developed a fanbase, who want to know what I will be baking next. For now, I’m taking on #52salads. In 2018, I may take on #52cakes. We shall see.
A big thank you to all who followed along on my 52 pie challenge. You made this journey so much fun! Whether it is baking, a sport, art, craft, or any other hobby, I encourage you all to take 52 weeks to learn something new.
Do you have a baking challenge that you think I should try? Let me know in the comments!