Pies for "Pi Day" 3.14

It's March 14th, or 3.14 - Happy Pi Day!   Since my family enjoys celebrating just about everything, we are observing Pi Day with Quiche and our favorite Derby Pie (which reminds me of a chocolate chip cookie in a pie shell.)

I recently got a great deal on a Bella personal pie maker that I knew would be perfect for this day.  It allows me to make 4 individual quiche in about 12 minutes.  I just follow the basic recipe, then add fillings to customize each quiche. 

Quiche

3 eggs, beaten

2 tsp. butter, room temperature

3 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup milk or cream

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 cup shredded cheese

salt & pepper

pie crust rolls 

Fillings:  crumbled bacon, mushrooms, chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onion, etc.

Combine first 5 items until well blended.  Add cheese, salt and pepper.  Unroll pie crust onto flat, lightly floured surface.  Use pastry cutter, then dough press (both provided with pie maker) to form crust i n pie maker.  Add 1/4 cup egg mixture to each crust, then add fillings.  Bake for approx. 10-12 minutes.  I was able to make 6 quiche from one pie crust roll.  

Now for dessert:  Derby Pie has been a family favorite for years (requested more often than Pumpkin Pie on Thanksgiving,) and it's ridiculously easy to make. We like it served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Derby Pie

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup flour

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup nuts, optional (I prefer chopped pecans)

1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked

Whipped cream topping or ice cream, optional

Combine all ingredients and scoop into pie shell.  Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  For extra calories (but oh so worth it), top each slice of pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and a chocolate drizzle.