Yummy Pi (Now with pictures!)

UPDATED with pie pictures below.

Happy Pi Day.

Pi, Greek letter π, is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. π = 3.1415926535... ( I memorized 50 digits of this beloved mathematical constant in middle school for an extra credit competition in math class, but I cannot recite more than a dozen now.)

While the American Pie Council thinks that January 23rd is National Pie Day, March 14th is truly the appropriate day to celebrate with a fat slice of pie as it’s the day of the year that corresponds with the first three digits of pi.

I woke up super early this morning and could think of nothing better to do than bake pie for the guys. They will be the lucky recipients of a Blueberry Pie and a Pecan Pie later this morning.

UPDATE:
I had to share pictures. I am inordinately proud of how the Blueberry Pie turned out, especially considering the fact that the Pecan Pie just wasn’t right. Not bad but just not quite as it should be, and I can't figure out why. I was told by JP that as a non-Southerner I shouldn't even attempt to make Pecan Pie; however, if I ever have a Key Lime Pie, I could bring it over.

(The only lattice crust I have ever made, and the loveliest pie I have ever made.)

In keeping with the π/pie theme, I made Chicken Pot Pie for supper.It's been a tasty day.

Meatless Meals

Lenten Fridays are a great opportunity to enjoy some of my favorite meatless, Americanized Italian dishes. (No fish and no beans!)

Italian Macaroni and Cheese
3 cups tomato sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz. mostaccioli (or other pasta), cooked
Spread ½ cup sauce over bottom of a microwaveable, 8”-square baking dish (or similar size that fits in your microwave). Sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Layer with half each of the cooked mostaccioli, ricotta cheese, sauce, and half of remaining Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers using remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on Medium 10 min. Remove cover; rotate dish ½ turn. Cook on Medium 10 to 15 min longer or until hot and bubbly. Brown under broiler 6 min, or until golden brown.
Serves 6.

Spinach Orzo
2 tsp. margarine
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ cup shredded carrot
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups uncooked rosamarina pasta
1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and drained
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Melt margarine in 2 qt. saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic and carrot in margarine 2 min, stirring, until carrot is tender. Stir in broth, pasta and spinach. Heat until boiling, then reduce heat. Simmer 15 to 20 min, or until broth is absorbed. Stir in remaining ingredients before serving.
Serves 8.

Thanks to Faith and Family Live for the opportunity to exchange meatless recipes just in time for Lent.