Sweet Pies

“As American as apple pie.” Yes, apple pie is an emblem of our country, just as cherry pie is synonymous with happiness, pecan pie symbolizes ultimate indulgence, and lemon ice box pie is the last word in cool refreshment.

Basic categories of pie found around the country include fruit pies (double-crust, crumb-top, deep dish), nut pies, cream / custard / meringue pies, icebox pies, fried pies, pumpkin and sweet potato pies. Favorite interesting crusts are those made with lard, gingersnaps, Graham crackers, shortbread, nuts, or crumbled cookies.

Pie-focused travelers look for such unique regional favorites as shoofly pie in Amish Pennsylvania, sour cream raisin pie in Midwest dairy country, chess pie throughout the South, Maine wild blueberry pie, genuine Key lime pie, olallieberry pie in California, huckleberry pie in Montana, marionberry pie in Oregon, Shaker sugar pie, maple walnut pie in New England, Kentucky derby pie, Hoosier cream pie, and apple pie baked in a brown paper bag at the Elegant Farmer in Mukwanago, Wisconsin.

Which is the nation’s #1 pie state? Top contenders are Iowa, Arkansas, Maine, Oregon, California, and Texas.