Happy Thanksgiving!  While writing this blog post I am on the road with my family for a few hours; we are going to have Thanksgiving dinner with my father’s side of the family.  I’m looking forward to it because I haven’t seen most of them in a long time.  And also I don’t have to cook…I’m all for that!  Christmas is my holiday, so usually we spend Thanksgiving at someone else’s house where I might be responsible for cooking macaroni and cheese (my specialty), but that’s about it.  I think that I’ve made a turkey once or twice in my life so far.

So, I’m sort of out of my element when it comes to Thanksgiving food and none is more apparent than making a Thanksgiving pie.  I’m a very good cake baker, but Key Lime Pie is about the extent of my pie making.  That is, until last year when I got invited to Danica Kombol’s house, my husband’s business partner, for her annual Thanksgiving Pie Making Party.   Danica is a master pie maker and right before Thanksgiving she opens up her kitchen to friends.  Among laughter, stories and tons of flour, many pies are made by the skillful and novice alike.  Some friends just come for the friendship, mimosas and delicious lunch spread, but most make pies.  This year I didn’t make one because my family was traveling, but last year Danica taught me how to make an apple pie; my family was really impressed.

Me in 2008 holding the apple pie that I made.

Still, I had a good time this year taking photos, chatting with everyone and watching the pies being made.  This year apple, pumpkin and chocolate cream pie were made.

The table is ready.

Danica making pie dough.

Christine Eisner making an apple pie.

Paula Schwed; another master pie maker.

Somehow Danica manages to prepare for guests, cook lunch, make her own pies and also teach those less skilled.  Here’s a video I shot of her showing us how to roll out pie dough.

I hope that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and lots of pie!