While it may not be recognized by everyone as an official holiday, I observe Pie Day every year.

Pi(π) is a Greek letter that is used to represent a mathematical constant, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi is about 3.14, and so March 14 (written in the US as 3/14) came to be known as Pi Day.

What better way to celebrate Pi Day than with Pie?

We kept it small this year, just two pies, on account of Pi Day falling in the middle of my work week.

We started by going savoury with a classic chicken pot pie.

Chicken pot pie is one of my Mum’s favourite meals, but to be honest, I don’t make it often. It is relatively simple, but pie crust is not something I am particularly good at, likely because I do not practice enough. This pie turned out delightfully and was enough for a couple of meals.

For dessert, I made a chocolate pie. Chocolate pie is more my forte; I made my first one over twenty years ago when I was a child and have made them regularly since. While I normally do a nice, simple chocolate custard in a graham cracker crust, this year I went a little fancier.

This year I made a dark chocolate custard in a quick puff crust topped with Swiss meringue. I think I might need to practice this one a little more…

It tasted great, although very sweet and rich. I would describe it as decadent. I do think it would have been better with a cookie crust, something nice and crumbly to add some texture.

This was my first time making Swiss meringue, and I think it’s safe to say that my technique needs some work. I think I underwhipped it slightly, which led to the topping wanting to slide off as soon as it was cut. It tasted good, though, and was delightfully marshmallowy.

With a graham cracker crust, this would have been reminiscent of a S’more.

Also it was a circle, so, you know, Pi.

Fun books about pi and/or pie: