The growing wealth of the nation and the rise of the middle class led to more food preservation and preparation methods, and more options overall for American eaters. With the changing foodscape of the country and the growing number of women working outside the home, the consumption of homemade pie declined from a regular to occasional indulgence. Pie became a marker of special occasions rather than an inexpensive vessel to cook and store meals.
Avey writes, “By the early 1980’s, pies were ‘rediscovered’ as Americans explored their culinary roots, and they eventually made a successful comeback into American food culture.” Bakers faithful to the homemade method preserved the tradition of preparation from scratch. While fast food and ready-made pies were a novelty, a side effect of a nation fast driven by progress, pie enthusiasts are loyal to the unparalleled sensory pleasure of baking and enjoying a homemade pie.
According to John Lehndorff of the American Pie Council, “When you say that something is ‘as American as apple pie,’ what you’re really saying is that the item came to this country from elsewhere and was transformed into a distinctly American experience.” It has been said that our nation is a melting pot, and our pie tradition fits the metaphor beautifully.
If you would like to prepare a dessert ingrained with meaning this Thanksgiving, try baking an authentic, homemade pie, and remember its special place in American culinary history.