National Great American Pot Pie Day on September 23rd is a delightful celebration honoring the comforting and soul-warming goodness of American pot pies. These savory pastries have a rich history, dating as far back as the Neolithic period, and have continued to satisfy our taste buds throughout time. It's no wonder that Marie Callender's, a renowned pot pie and frozen food company, initiated a day devoted exclusively to celebrating this wonderful dish. Indulge in the savory delight and savor the flavors on #GreatAmericanPotPieDay!

History of National Great American Pot Pie Day

• Origins: National Great American Pot Pie Day was established in 2002 by the Marie Callender's brand, a company well-known for its frozen meals and desserts, particularly its pot pies. The day was created to celebrate this classic American dish and encourage people to enjoy and share pot pies.
• Culinary Tradition: Pot pies have a long history, with variations found in many cultures. In America, pot pies became popular as a convenient and satisfying meal that could be easily prepared at home or purchased ready-made.

Significance of National Great American Pot Pie Day

• Celebration of Comfort Food: The day honors pot pies as a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s a time to indulge in the rich flavors and textures of this classic dish.
• Culinary Creativity: National Great American Pot Pie Day encourages culinary creativity, inspiring people to try different recipes and variations of pot pies.
• Community and Sharing: The day promotes sharing and community as people gather to enjoy pot pies together, whether at home, in restaurants, or at community events.

How to Celebrate National Great American Pot Pie Day

1. Making Homemade Pot Pies:

   • Traditional Chicken Pot Pie: Make a classic chicken pot pie with a flaky crust, tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Use a combination of carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery for the filling.
   • Creative Variations: Experiment with different types of pot pies, such as beef, turkey, or vegetarian. Try using ingredients like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, spinach, or butternut squash for a unique twist.

2. Hosting Pot Pie Gatherings:

   • Pot Pie Dinner: Host a pot pie dinner party with friends and family. Serve a variety of pot pies, allowing guests to sample different flavors and styles.
   • Potluck Event: Organize a pot pie potluck where everyone brings their favorite pot pie to share. This can be a fun way to discover new recipes and enjoy a diverse selection of pot pies.

3. Visiting Restaurants and Bakeries:

   • Local Eateries: Visit local restaurants or bakeries known for their pot pies. Many places offer special pot pie menus or discounts on National Great American Pot Pie Day.
   • Supporting Small Businesses: Support small businesses and local chefs by purchasing pot pies from neighborhood eateries. Enjoy the unique takes on this classic dish that local chefs create.

4. Learning and Sharing:

   • Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class focused on making pot pies. Learn tips and techniques for creating the perfect crust and filling.
   • Recipe Sharing: Share your favorite pot pie recipes with friends and family. Exchange tips and tricks for making the best pot pies.

5. Social Media Engagement:

   • Post Photos and Recipes: Share photos of your pot pie creations and recipes on social media using the hashtag #GreatAmericanPotPieDay. Encourage others to join in the celebration and share their own pot pie experiences.
   • Virtual Cooking Sessions: Host or join a virtual cooking session where participants can cook pot pies together online and share their results.

Popular Pot Pie Recipes

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie:

   • Ingredients: Chicken, carrots, peas, potatoes, celery, onions, chicken broth, milk or cream, butter, flour, pie crusts (store-bought or homemade).
   • Instructions: Cook the chicken and vegetables, prepare a creamy sauce with chicken broth and milk or cream, combine the filling ingredients, and pour into a pie dish. Cover with a second crust, seal the edges, and bake until golden brown.

2. Beef Pot Pie:

   • Ingredients: Beef stew meat, carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, beef broth, red wine (optional), butter, flour, pie crusts.
   • Instructions: Brown the beef and cook with vegetables and broth to create a savory filling. Pour into a pie dish, cover with a crust, and bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

3. Vegetarian Pot Pie:

   • Ingredients: Mushrooms, carrots, peas, potatoes, celery, onions, vegetable broth, milk or cream, butter, flour, pie crusts.
   • Instructions: Sauté the vegetables, prepare a creamy sauce with vegetable broth and milk or cream, combine the filling ingredients, and pour into a pie dish. Cover with a second crust and bake until golden brown.

Fun Facts about Pot Pies

• Versatility: Pot pies can be made with a variety of fillings and crusts, including puff pastry, biscuit dough, and traditional pie crusts.
• Historical Roots: Pot pies have roots in ancient Roman cuisine, where they were often made with meat and seafood fillings.
• Convenience: Pot pies became popular in America for their convenience, as they could be made ahead of time and easily reheated for a quick, satisfying meal.

Inspirational Quotes about Comfort Food

• “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” – Alan D. Wolfelt
• “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw
• “Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.” – Unknown

Conclusion

National Great American Pot Pie Day is a delightful celebration of a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you make a traditional chicken pot pie, experiment with new flavors, host a pot pie gathering, or support local eateries, there are many ways to celebrate this day. Embrace the warmth and satisfaction of a delicious pot pie, and share the joy with friends, family, and your community. Enjoy the rich flavors, flaky crusts, and comforting warmth of pot pies on this special day!