Most people are so focused on the gifts that the meal is barely an afterthought. And Christmas is so soon after the Thanksgiving feast (not to mention all the holiday parties and bingeing going on) that it's hard for anything to break through the holiday stupor. The challenge is to present a pie that will hold their attention for at least a few minutes. Luckily after the usual fare of cakes and cookies, a pie really is something new and different.
Forego the insidious fruitcake brick and send a delightful pie instead!
But what kind of pie is appropriate for the winter holidays? Pumpkin and apple were already played out in the fall. It's the wrong season for berries. Banana and peach are sadly out of season, as well.
Think white. Chocolate. Warmth. Maybe a little peppermint.
Spruce it up with the typical holiday decor. Holiday cookie cutters are great for making fun shapes in the crust. Candy canes, holly sprigs, jingle bells. It can be as simple as making the steam vents in the top crust in festive shape. The fancier the garnish, the more the audience will oooh and aaah over it.
Need some extra help before the holidays? You can find classes and demonstrations (often free) at some culinary stores, such as Williams-Sonoma or Central Market.
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Some recommended Christmas pie recipes: |
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Bailey's Irish Cream Mousse Pie Mincemeat Pie (Mincemeat is typically associated with Christmas.) |