Final pie week!!

My 45th birthday is coming very soon and we have one last pie trek planned to top it all off! I'm so excited! We leave on April 25th and fly to Orlando. From there we will drive to Alabama, Georgia, S. Carolina, N. Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to find the rest of my pies. What an amazing husband I have to plan this trip with and for me. He is the absolute best! Pictures and descriptions will be updated in the next 2 weeks!!

More Utah pie...

Pie #40-41

We needed a weekend away and Zane needed to play golf! He is a very talented golfer and I love watching him. There was a 3-man scramble tournament at Palisade Golf Course in Sanpete County. It was a reason to get out of town and enjoy our gorgeous Utah weather we are having right now. We stayed in Fairview and on the way back from Palisade, we stopped in Mt. Pleasant to have dinner. This cute diner offered homemade pie so we asked our waiter for a recommendation on the best pie. Cute Simon was a young kid from Texas working at this diner in Mt. Pleasant. Of course he is going to recommend the Pecan Pie. But I am saving the Pecan Pie until I am in Georgia and I can experience the local best option. I opted for his second recommendation which was the German Chocolate pie. Chocolate pie is my least favorite pie. Admittedly, this was really good! The cream was good, the coconut flavor was good, but, my favorite part was the crunchy layer of chocolate that is on top of the chocolate cream and underneath that whipped cream. It was a little chocolate surprise that I enjoyed. It was good pie. I would stop there again if I am down that way again. Maybe after a trip to the Manti Temple...oooh, that's a good idea!

(I didn't play. I got to drive the cart and enjoy the sunshine. It was a pretty course in a pretty area. Congrats to Zane's team...they took 2nd!)

We had breakfast in Fairview at the Home Plate Cafe. The ladies at the Skyline Mountain Resort didn't recommend the place for dinner but I figured we were safe for breakfast. Who can screw up breakfast? What a fun surprise when we saw they offered homemade pie, as well. We got the Raspberry Peach that is made from the raspberries that are grown on the owner's property. The server told us they offer a good Strawberry Rhubarb in the summer, also made from the local gardens in town. I see a summer trip in the future. It was good pie that would be worth eating if you are already in the area. 

More homemade goodness...

Pie #39.5

I don't know that this truly qualifies as a piece of pie for my list. It's really just a sample since this is all that was left after Pi Day. My good friend, Craig, loves this pie quest and when I was telling him about it we talked about what would be the best pie combo. Why hasn't this been made before? It probably has but I haven't had it. I was thrilled when Craig brought me this nibble of Banana Coconut Cream pie! Two favorite pies in one!! His co-worker, Owen, from Big Brothers, Big Sisters made it for a Pi Day celebration. Craig snatched this last little morsel away from some poor, helpless old lady so that I could enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did! Thank you, my friend!

The real reason we went to Monterey...

Pie #37-39

Here is the real reason we went to California for Jalyn's birthday... Pie Number One on the Time Out top 17 pies in the US!! When Zane and I went to LA at New Year's to have Grapefruit pie, our original plan was to then head north to San Francisco and then across Nevada to get home to SLC. However, Mother Nature changed our plans for us. Donner Pass was shut down and there was a huge snowstorm that would have been miserable to drive through. I had to have that pie, though. Jalyn was kind enough and up for the adventure of having pie with me in San Francisco. 

We flew into San Jose and drove to Daly City to seek out Devil's Teeth Baking Company. The list recommended the Sweet Potato Pecan Pie as the number 8 pie in the US. I was excited for it. We found the bakery and we were extremely disappointed to find they had NO PIE!! I asked the counter help and was informed that they don't know how they got on the list. They only make pie at Thanksgiving and it has to be special ordered. I was deflated!! I traveled all that way for no pie!

I tried to take it in stride and move on to the next pie on the list. It was actually number ONE and I was ready to be cheered up after that sad, sad disappointment. We headed into San Francisco to find Tartine Bakery. On a Saturday. In San Francisco. During a protest of President Trump's travel ban on certain countries. Ugh! We weren't getting anywhere close to that place. I gave up and headed south to Santa Cruz and Monterey. I begged Jalyn to please leave Jacqui early so we could go back to San Francisco before our flight on Tuesday. Thankfully, she agreed and it was definitely, definitely worth the drive. 

We had no problem getting to Tartine's on Tuesday. The location is not well advertised but the Google Map got us there. Look at those pies!! The number one pie on the list is the Chocolate Banana Cream pie. The location was packed so we got it to go and took it back to the car. We picked up the Lemon Curd Tart, as well, because it looked, well...look at it...it looked amazing! I'm surprised we weren't cited for indecent public activity because of the sounds of deliciousness we were making in the car. The Banana Cream pie was so, so good! I was so sad not to have a cooler to bring the pie home. Zane would have loved it! The Lemon Curd was the perfect blend of tart and sweet and creamy. Thank you Jalyn, for sharing your birthday trip with my quest for pie. It was worth it!

After my initial disappointment in San Francisco, we went on a hunt for good pie in Monterey. The Google search took us to a little bakery and cafe in the middle of an industrial area. They did their best to make it look like a cozy cafe outside but it still seemed very out of place. However, the pie was worth it! When I did my 40 pies before 40 quest, I tried an Ollalieberry pie in 

Southern California. I have asked around for it since then but it seems to be a regional thing. I understand that it is a mix between an eastern blackberry and a western dewberry. I don't know what all that means but I do know that it means a deliciously sweet/tart berry pie for me. This cute bakery did a great job. Apparently, the have amazing quiche, as well. Next time we are out there, we will have pie and quiche. 

National Pie Day 1/23

Happy National Pie Day on January 23! It's 1/23...get it? Easy as 1,2,3...easy as PIE!

That's the Pie Day I celebrate...not Pi day! I hate math. Why would I celebrate 3/14? 

Of course I had pie. But Marie Callendar's doesn't make it on my list. We know they are good and I know I can get it anytime I am craving a pie. Those cravings usually come in February, June, and October. Those are the pie months when it's on sale. I've sadly watched the prices increase and it is now up to $8.49 per pie. Remember the days of $5.99 pie month? Me, too. I miss it. 

More pies in LA

 Pie #36-37

While in Los Angeles, we asked the Google for the top pies in the LA area. Below are two of the pies that were on that list. We stop at Cake Monkey and had the most amazing apple pie I have ever had. The cider soaked apples fill the most amazing double cheddar crust. I cannot brag about this pie enough. It was so, so very good. My preference on pie is the filling. Zane's preference on pie is the crust. We make a good team because I always get the point and he always gets the leftover crust. However, we battled over this piece of pie. The filling and crust together were a perfect match and I had to distract Zane so I could have the final bite. Thankfully, he loves me and didn't get too upset. However, we should have purchased the entire pie. It was THAT good. Go get this pie!!

Another place on the list was Pie 'N Burger in Pasadena. It has been around since 1963 and I think the pie made the list for nostalgia reasons. I didn't think it was great. It was average. The place is a little hole in the wall with a long counter and a handful of tables. It was busy since the Rose Parade just finished and people were coming in for the Rose Bowl (we picked the wrong day to be in Pasadena) so I got the pie to go. I asked the server for their best pie and she recommended the boysenberry. So we got it. It was OKAY. I wouldn't go out of my way for it again and especially not during the Rose Bowl.

Southern Utah Pie

Pie #33-34

When Zane and I did our Utah pie trek back in May, we really wanted to get down to St. George and Veyo. But we were pie'd out and didn't have the time to make it down. In November, my surrogate daughter, Jacqui, was sealed to her husband, Brandon, and baby boy, Bryson. Some of us were able to drive down to attend the sealing and we took advantage of the moment and took a quick side trip to Veyo. It was just Mariah and I since the rest of the family came down later in the week. St. George has a pie place called Croshaw's, which is pretty good. However, Veyo Pies are better! At least the two we tried. They had an amazing Pumpkin pie that was heavy on the nutmeg which is what I like in a pumpkin pie. Then we also tried the signature Volcano Pie. There is a defunct volcano in Veyo and what better way to celebrate it. The pie was creamy with a layer of chocolate and butterscotch. Add the whipped cream and chocolate and caramel sauce on the top and it's a cream pie of perfection. It was definitely worth the side trip and I highly recommend it. 

Homemade Goodness!

Pie #30-32

Homemade pie is the best! I know people that have amazing pie-making skills. It is something I lack but I am really good at TASTING the homemade pies. Over the summer, I was lucky enough to try 3 different and delicious pies. 

Zane's mom has health issues and is confined to her bed in her home. She has home healthcare workers that come in and assist her with all her needs. One of her workers, Pat, brought in an amazing peach pie made with the peaches from her tree. Look at that cinnamon on the top of the crust! It was delicious and perfect with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

A pear tartlet made by one of my friends and fellow leader in the Young Women's program in my ward, Hannah. Delicious! The pears were picked from the tree that overhangs in the backyard from her neighbors. I used to live in that house and picked many pears from that tree. They were delicious and even better in a tartlet. 

The final homemade pie of the year came at our Young Women in Excellence program. Vanesa, one of our advisors, made this delicious lemon meringue pie. The lemons were tart and the meringue was perfectly toasted. It was a treat to enjoy her talents and a delicious add to my pie list. Thanks to all the amazing home bakers with pie talent! I admire you!

Girls Camp 2016

Pie #28-29

I am the Young Women's president in my ward and each year we take a few days and camp in the mountains. It is dirty and spiritual and the event of the summer. We had a great time as we always do. However, this year had a bonus for me. We made Fire Pies and were treated to a delicious, home-made Key Lime Pie from John Benson. It was epic! Who knew that two pieces of buttered bread with cherry pie filling roasted over a fire would be so delicious? Apply a layer of buttermilk frosting on top and it is pure heaven!

John's Key Lime pie is legendary in our neighborhood and this time at camp was no exception. He does a great job and we were so grateful he not only brought us pie but he cooked us up some amazing brisket, corn, and potatoes. Best night of camp, for sure!

Homemade pies from the heart!

Pie #26-27

At the end of May, I tried to quit my job. I say tried because they talked me into staying on as a temporary employee to help out and I did that until December. In December, I was hired back as a part-time employee and I am grateful. Our self-employed benefits were not working out and I am so grateful to my employer for providing quality healthcare at affordable prices. 

In May, for my going away party, one of my favorite co-workers, Gale, brought pie. Not just any pie. She made my most very favorite pie...Shoo-Fly Pie!! It was delicious. She has never made Shoo-Fly pie before but was willing to make the effort because she knows how much I love it. I work with the best people! She also made Coconut Creme pie. So good! Home-made pies come from the heart. It is a talent I don't have which is why I embark on trips to find the best pies. Through my journeys, the pies made by friends in their kitchens taste the best. It must be that extra ingredient you can only get in your own kitchen...LOVE!

Wichita, Kansas

Pie #23-25

After saying goodbye to Zane in Denver, Mariah and I headed to Wichita. It was so fun to see Jacqui, Brandon, and baby Bryson. I am grateful I was able to help out and spend time with such a sweet family. 

We did a search of best pies in Wichita and Spears restaurant came up. I have to say...not impressed. We tried the Chocolate Pudding Nut, Blackberry with vanilla ice cream, and Lemon Meringue. I would never go back to this place again. I would go to Village Inn or Marie Callendars' before this place. Skip it if you are ever out there...

I served an LDS mission from 1993-1994 and one of my favorite areas was Wichita. I got to know the Balzer family while serving there. When I left, they had 3 kids, all little. When Mariah and I went to visit 22 years later, they have twelve kids. The baby who's diapers I changed as a missionary was now a return missionary himself. It was so fun to see them. They are an awesome family!

The pie was terrible but seeing this new baby made the trip worth it. Granny DeShelle and Auntie Mariah spoiled him all week. He misses us terribly now!

Bonefish Grill in Ft. Collins, CO

Pie #22

In September, Mariah, Zane, and I drove to Colorado and then on to Wichita. Zane had work in Denver and Mariah and I wanted to see our new baby Bryson born to Jacqui and Brandon. Along the way, we stopped at the new LDS Ft. Collins Temple. It was open to the public and we were able to obtain tickets to the open house. It was beautiful! I love to see the temple and feel the reverence and peace within those walls. One day, Zane and I will be sealed together forever as husband and wife in one of those sacred buildings. For the time being, it was enough to walk through the hallways holding his hand and sharing this sacred moment. 

After our tour, we went to lunch at the Bonefish Grill. Not a bad lunch and since we all love coconut, we couldn't pass up dessert. Jen's Jamaican Coconut Pie was one of the best versions of coconut pie I have ever had. It took a lot of self-control to not order another piece. I highly recommend it to anyone if you are near a Bonefish Grill. 

Nations Burgers in San Ramon

Pie #19-21

Nations Burgers is a pretty popular place in the Bay Area and apparently have pretty good burgers. We didn't stop to try the burgers; we just wanted pie. They have a refrigerated case full of pies at the front of the store. On Yelp! and other internet sites, the pies were lauded as being pretty dang good. It was difficult to pick which ones I wanted because they ALL looked good. We settled on three of them. Coconut Creme, Fresh Strawberry, and the Pumpkin tart. They were all pretty tasty but let me focus on the Fresh Strawberry. It was delicious! I love California strawberries. Some of my favorite memories of California include stopping by many road-side fruit stands and picking up a flat of freshly picked strawberries (along with the cherries...so good!). I wasn't disappointed in this pie. The strawberries were sweet and the cream complimented it well. I would go back to get this seasonal pie. The coconut creme and pumpkin were average. Not bad but certainly not something I would travel out of my way again to get. 

Boldly Me and pie!

Pie #17-18

I graduated from middle school in June of 1986. Summer of 2016 was the 30 year anniversary of that graduation. I LOVED middle school. I made some of the best friends that have had huge impacts in my life. It was also a growing time for myself as I learned who I was as a person. There were lots of things I didn't like and I have tried to change that in the last 30 years. I reached out to one of my very good friends that I haven't seen since we graduated because we ended up going to different high schools and drifted apart. She is doing an amazing thing with young girls and teens who are struggling with self-esteem. She created a non-profit organization that travels to schools and other locations teaching self-confidence. Her organization is called Boldly Me. She was having an event in California and invited members of our class of 1986 to come and help celebrate. It was such a great event. She is doing amazing things. 

While out there, we took the opportunity to find the best pies in the area. We were directed to a small farmer's market in San Ramon called Windmill Farms. They carry locally made pies from The Pie Company made with locally grown fruit. OH MY GOODNESS! They were delicious! We picked up the Nectarine and Peach Cobbler pies. The Peach Cobbler was overly sweet for me because of the crumble topping but the Nectarine was so, so good. Warm it up with a little vanilla ice cream and it is heaven.

Arshels Cafe- Beaver, Utah

Pie #15-16

I didn't get a picture of the cafe and I probably should have. The pie was forgettable so I would need the picture to remind me of where I got the pie. I am not a huge fan of chocolate pies. Most of the time, it seems like chocolate pudding in a crust. I need more effort than that. I haven't had one for this challenge and so I thought I would give it a shot. It was not good. The chocolate pudding was rubbery. The peanut butter crumbles on the bottom were pretty good but overall, it wasn't a good pie. The Apple Cranberry was better but still not a pie I would go out of my way to get again. 

We stopped in Spanish Fork on our way back to Salt Lake to share some of our to-go pies with my brother and sister-in-law. They missed out on the beauty of the road-trip but enjoyed the spoils of our labors. It was a fun trip and I am thankful my husband was willing to tag along to help me find good pie. Our next Utah road trip will take us to St. George and Veyo. We hear the pies there are amazing! We shall see...

Golden Hills- Mt. Carmel, Utah

Pie #14

Across the street from the Thunderbird Cafe was the Golden Hills restaurant. They advertised pie in their window so we thought we would give them a chance. We came from a packed restaurant to an empty one. That should have been a clue. We should have just turned around and walked out. But I was there. They saw me...I was committed. So we ordered the Banana Cream pie to-go. Not impressed. Banana pudding with some banana slices and A LOT of whipped cream. It was too much sweetness and I wasn't particularly fond of it. I wouldn't recommend it and I wouldn't go back. 

"ho-made" pies in Mt. Carmel, Utah

Pie #12-13

Have you heard of the Thunderbird Restaurant in Mt. Carmel, Utah? It is home of the "Ho-Made" pies. The legend (and history) has it that the restaurant was opened back in the '40's when metals were scarce due to World War II. Scarcity of supplies and the desire to make it sound more welcoming, the founder shortened "home-made" to "ho-made". The present-day connotation of "ho" and the buxom cartoon lady wasn't added until later but they certainly didn't miss a chance to capitalize on the new meaning. We had some lunch while we were there and then took the pie slices to-go. The Apple Pie with Rum Sauce and the Strawberry Rhubarb were recommended. The pictures below don't do the flavors justice. We heated up the pies and sauce at home and they were delicious! The crust was flaky and light. The point was yummy! 

Bryce Canyon Pines- Bryce, Utah

Pie #10-11

 Just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, is a little restaurant with lots of motorcycles parked outside. It the perfect place for travelers to stop and have a bite to eat and a delicious treat. The place was packed with a huge family reunion so we just sauntered up to the bar to get a couple of slices to-go. We asked the waiter for his recommendations and he said we couldn't pass up the Strawberry Banana and the Lemon Raspberry. I was getting a little full of pie and I hadn't had anything savory to counter-balance the sweet. I opted to just take a bite of the pies and save the rest for later. The best part of a pie is the point. I fight for the point. I much prefer the filling to the crust and Zane prefers the crust. We make a good team...and I always get the point. Win-win! These pies were pretty good. Nothing spectacular. I wouldn't go out of my way to have them again. But if you are in the area and you need a fun treat, Enjoy!!