π, also known as “pi”, is an important number in trigonometry (the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter) – it is also the reason why our tummies look forward to Pi Day every year. Pi Day is held annually on March 14 because the first three numbers of the infinite number, pi, are 3.14. To celebrate, many venture to bake their own pies at home.
Here are a couple pie tips from Annapolis’ own, Chef Big Money, to level up your pie baking game before we circle around to March 14!:
- Always weigh your ingredients on a scale. This will allow you to get the perfect amount of fruit and filling in your pie.
- Cold is key when making a flaky pie crust. Make sure your ingredients are cold and chill your dough at each step – before rolling it out, after placing it in your pan, and after filling it.
- Everybody has a fruit pie explosion at some point. If your fruit pie has a top layer, make sure you poke holes on top to vent the extra steam when it bakes.
- Sometimes you might freeze a pie to enjoy for later. To reheat a pie, set the temperature of the oven to 250 degrees and leave the pie in the oven for 40 minutes.
- Lastly, always remember to have fun! Play some rock n’ roll and blues tunes from local Annapolitan band, The Big Money Band while your pie bakes.
If your pie starts to go awry, don’t worry! Like Adam Sandler movies often say, “You can do it!”
P.S.
If you don’t feel like doing it, or you did it and it didn’t turn out like you wanted, you can always pick up a pie or two from Chef Big Money. With many classic pies like apple, cherry, and strawberry rhubarb, to “bluesberry” pies, you can’t go wrong! Contact Chef Big Money via his Facebook page or or you can find him every Saturday at the A.A. Co. Farmers Market on Harry Truman Parkway, starting on April 6.
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