Pie

Truth be told, if I were given the choice to eat cake or pie, I'd pick cake.  

I remember the first pie I ever made was when I was 9 (I think).  I had to make a complete meal, including dessert, for a merit badge for Girl Scouts.  I have no idea what I made for the meal, but I do remember that I made apple pie for dessert and that it wasn't the current recipe that I use now.  

I do remember times when my mom would buy store pie crust.  Until one year she stumbled across the most amazing pie crust recipe and she hasn't turned back.  

As a teen, I'd help my mom make pies for Thanksgiving, but I never wanted the job of making crust.  I think a few years ago, I made crust by myself for the first time and wasn't a fan, because I wasn't good at being really careful and patient with pulling the crust off the table.  

Then came language school in Costa Rica, where I  made more pies than I ever had in my entire life.  I taught myself the art of being careful and patient with the crust.  With each pie I made, I'd get more and more excited with how the crust would turn out and it made me want to make more pies.  I'd look for opportunities to make pie or make up reasons to.

I can't even recall how many pies I've made in the last year and a half.  I've made a few lemon, one pecan and so, so, so many apple. I think apple pie has become "my thing". 
I've enjoyed eating pie with friends, sharing my apple pie recipe and even teaching others how to make it.  In doing so, I've discovered a great passion for pie.  

My friend, Rose, says that my passion for making and sharing pie with others is a gift.  Perhaps it is.  I do enjoy the whole process of making it, but I think it's because it's a way I can show love to those who I share it with.