The Birthday Tradition

Pie. Pie. And more... pie. The one thing you must know about Michael is that he can pass by cake. He can turn his nose up at cookies (save the oatmeal raisin ones from Bob Lee). But the man loves pie. And raisins, but we can discuss that later.

Even at our wedding: Pie. Yes, there was a cake, too, but I'm not sure Michael was aware of that, he was fixated on the Achatz 4 berry pie just out of his reach.

Ahem, back to the story. During our first year of marriage, I promised Michael that I would made him 2 pies every year for his birthday. His choice. No commentary from "the better half". Just baking and no lip service. (If you don't know me, that is a HUGE gift...)

The first year. Safe pies. Peach and Coconut Cream. Simple. Tasty.

Then.... well, then he got his hands on a Martha Stewart Pie Cookbook. And I believe one of them required me to craft the pie dish on a pottery wheel. Seriously, I don't have 99 assistants like Martha-- so it's hard. (I also do not have a felony record, in case you were curious).

But a promise is a promise. I bake pies. And I bake some strange ones.

Sour-cream raisin? Sure. (it looked like Banana Cream meets a jar of dead flies).

Apple-spinach-sweet-cream pie? Whaaaa? Really? Are you sure two pages didn't get stuck together? Nope. Okay. It's your birthday. (It tasted like feet. After a parade. Blech!)

And then, well, then he found out about the National Pie Competition in Celebration Florida. (you can read more here, because I know you're extremely curious http://www.piecouncil.org/Events/GreatAmericanPieFestival/).

So, this year, I'm making two pies from "festival". A Walnut Chocolate Raisin and a Sweet Apple Cider Pie. They smell good!

Happy Birthday Michael!!! I hope you enjoy your pie!