The month of Thanksgiving is officially upon us, which means most of us are stocking up on all the staples like stuffing, sweet potatoes, and ingredients for pies…including butter, which I just recently blogged about Many pie varieties will make their way to our Thanksgiving Day tables, all of which are Turkey Day traditions, particularly pumpkin. I love both Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie so it’s always a win-win for me. But, did you know that pie at Thanksgiving really has nothing to do with the Pilgrims or Native Americans? In fact, common belief is that the tradition was probably started by a magazine sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. Who knew?!
Pioneer Woman
Nothing like a pie chart of pies, and it looks like pumpkin wins the gold with apple and pecan competing for the silver. Chocolate? We’ll give it the bronze. I’m happily one team pumpkin pie as I love it to literal pieces and have my grandma’s recipe. Our daughter, on the other hand, loves pecan pie. Me, not so much. My husband? He’ll have a little of everything.
A recent survey reveals that I am not alone in my pumpkin pie obsession. Here are the most popular go-to Thanksgiving pies ranked according to how many people said they were their faves:
Pumpkin – 50 percent
Pecan – 27 percent
Apple – 20 percent
It’s fun to look at all this state-by-state as well, which when looking at it, winners aren’t really any surprise, right?
And guess what, just like pies, which come in all flavors and styles, the one you like the best says something about your unique traits and personality. Just what do your pie choices say about you? According to “The Tasteful Life,” a lot!
If pumpkin pie is your favorite, you are nostalgic and a traditionalist. (yep, that’s me!)
Pecan pie lovers like the simple things in life and are seekers of love.
Apple? You’re all-American and predictable. You are probably also the healthier one of the pie bunch.
Let’s dive and cut in a little deeper.
Pumpkin Pie A Thanksgiving tradition, pumpkin pie is considered an American tradition. Made of one of the earliest import foods Europeans introduced the New World to, the orange squash quickly became beloved by Colonists and remains so today.
The pie is a fall tradition so those who like it best often consider fall their favorite season. Raising my hand! Those who love pumpkin pie also love sitting at home cuddled up with a cozy blanket, a fire, and maybe a good book or good friends. Yep, that’s me too. Pumpkin pie is considered simple and a classic, and so are pumpkin pie lovers. They are nostalgic and traditionalists; like to keep things chic but not fussy; are effortlessly elegant; and are most likely emotionally stable, consistent, and reliable. Pumpkin pie lovers also can’t stand drama or chaos and having a calm environment is very important to them. Chills, as all of this describes me to a tee.
Apple Pie
According to the American Pie Council, this is America’s all-around pie of choice, and rightly so, right? If it’s your favorite, you’re probably “As American as Apple Pie,” love tradition and security and can tend to be a tad predictable. You’re also inclined to loyally lean on the same products again and again whether it be your dish soap or your favorite jeans. You are also grounded, compassionate, outdoor lover, enjoy being active, and are a realistic person and friend.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is very sweet and if it’s your fave, so are you! Lovers of this pie tend to like the simple things in life and are seekers of love. Especially popular in the south, there are many versions of pecan pie, but all are sweet and all are beloved. Lovers of pecan pie are likely thoughtful and analytical and have tons of friends. Those friends love your rationality and loyalty and often come to you for advice. Sounds like you are just like pecan pie itself: infectious!
And now for all those other pies that may not be true Thanksgiving traditions but you may be making:
Peach Pie. Probably my second favorite pie, peach pie has been around forever and is so versatile. You can serve it hot or cold and make it with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. If you love peach pie, you probably also love a challenge and love for your mind to be stimulated. You are definitely a thinker but sometimes over analyze and you are someone who learns from mistakes and trials. You also hate to fail. Hmmm…me again.
Blueberry Pie. Blueberries can stain a table cloth or shirt like nobody’s business but guess what; if this is your favorite pie you couldn’t care less! A blueberry pie lover is that fun-loving, laid back, life of the party person. In fact, you’re kinda like the pie itself, which is considered by many the easiest to make, in that you are easy going and open minded and you love when others succeed. You are also smart, have excellent taste, don’t embarrass easily, and are quick to laugh at yourself. Relax and be happy: you’re a blueberry pie lover!
Cherry Pie. When I think of a cherry pie, I think tart and so are you to a certain extent if this is your pie pick! It’s all in a good way though in that you have attitude and confidence and you don’t let people push you around. You, like the bright red of the cherries themselves, don’t mind standing out in a crowd, and you live for a little excitement. That yearning for adventure means you’re a risk taker, are game for trying new things and taking on new hobbies, and are rarely bored with life.
Sweet Potato Pie. Often confused with its more popular cousin the pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has also been around since colonial times. Its ingredients were adapted from African cuisine and it’s still a staple soul food item. It’s nostalgic and very southern, and so are you if you love it. It’s also usually a surprising but welcome sight at holiday gatherings and again, so are you!
Lemon Meringue Pie. Like the tangy center of this pie, you are bubbly and full of optimism. You are anything but “basic” and love bright colors and making the best of every situation and life in general. You could say your motto is “When life gives you lemons, make a lemon meringue pie!”
Chocolate Silk Pie. To me, this is basically a chocolate pudding pie but to those who favor it, it’s much, much more. Baked properly, a chocolate silk pie is just that: smooth as silk. So are you. You prefer the best things in life and have great taste. Richness emotes from the pie and from you.
So, there you have it. What does your favorite pie say about you? Do the traits describe you? I’m “pie-ing” to know! And just for fun, print this out and ask family and friends which pie is their favorite and then have fun sharing what it says about them.
Also a fun idea: using a muffin tin full of all those different pies. Each one is the perfect size and I might just do this this year!
All of this got me thinking. What does the rest of the food at the Thanksgiving table say about us? Let’s find out!
If the turkey is your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal, you are probably strong, honest, and reliable. You are also probably a traditionalist and a true friend.
Those who dive right into the stuffing (or dressing as some call it) love to laugh and are fun and lively. They are most likely the life of a Thanksgiving Day party.
Crazy over cranberries? Then you are more than likely nostalgic and are the one adult who doesn’t mind sitting at the kids’ table.
Mashed potato lovers tend to be a bit sophisticated and reserved, but if the mood strikes them, they loosen up and they enjoy life to the fullest.
If the green beans get you, you are hands down the health nut of the bunch…unless it’s that famous recipe with cream soup and fried onions!
Whatever is your liking, as we all do our shopping, plan our Thanksgiving meals, and as cook and bake ‘til we’re turkeyed-out, let’s remember to focus on being thankful and what ingredients are really important in the recipe for life.
“Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work, hope, fidelity, kindness, rest, prayer, and one well-selected solution. Add one teaspoon of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkle of play, and a heaping cup of good humor.”
Author Unknown
Beyond Words 