Mark your calendars, grab your pie iron or grilling grate, because March 14th isn't just Pi Day – it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate with delicious fire-cooked pies! From savory pizzas to sweet treats, your fire pit can be transformed into a delightful outdoor oven, perfect for creating unique and flavorful pies.
Gearing Up for Fireside Baking:
Before you get started, gather your essential equipment:
- Grilling grate: A sturdy grilling grate elevates your pies over the direct flames, allowing for even cooking without burning the crust. Choose an option that can hold the weight of a heavy pie tin or other cast iron cooking tools.
- Pie iron: For individual mini pies or handheld options, a sturdy pie iron specifically designed for fire pits is a convenient and fun choice.
- Long-handled tongs and oven mitts or fire gloves: These ensure safe handling of hot equipment and pies.
Preparing the Fire:
Start by building a medium-sized fire with well-seasoned firewood. Allow it to burn down to a bed of hot coals for consistent heat. If using a grilling grate, position it slightly above the coals, aiming for indirect heat. Use an ember catcher on your fire pit log grate when burning to efficiently build your bed of coals.
Pie Possibilities:
Now, let's explore some delectable pie options to tantalize your taste buds:
Savory Delights:
- Classic campfire pizza: Prepare your favorite pizza dough, spread a thin layer of sauce, and top it with your preferred toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meats. Cook on the grilling grate until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Spicy veggie calzone: This handheld version uses pizza dough filled with a delicious mixture of sauteed vegetables, spices, and cheese. Fold the dough into a half-moon shape, seal the edges, and cook on the pie iron until golden brown and crispy.
- Mini quiche bites: Prepare a small batch of quiche filling in muffin tins. Place pre-made puff pastry dough over the filling, then cook on the pie iron until the pastry is flaky and the filling is set.
Looking for an easy option? Support your local pizza shop and purchase a few pies to enjoy by the crackle of your backyard fire pit.
Sweet Treats:
- Apple pie pockets: Fill pie dough squares with a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Fold the dough into triangles, seal the edges, and cook on the pie iron until golden brown and the filling is warm and bubbly.
- S'mores pie: This fun twist on classic campfire treats combines crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows in a pie crust. Cook on the grilling grate until the crust is golden and the chocolate melts.
- Mini fruit pies: Use small tart shells or create your own mini dough rounds. Fill them with your favorite seasonal fruits, sprinkle with sugar, and cook on the pie iron until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender.
Remember: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your pies. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat or position of the grate as needed.
Feel free to experiment and get creative! Use this Pi Day as an inspiration to explore endless possibilities for fire-cooked pies. Remember, the most important ingredient is having fun and enjoying the warmth of the fire with friends and family. What are your favorite pies to create over the fire? Let us know in the comments below.
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