Homemade vs Store-Bought Pies for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time when homemade pies often take center stage, but many wonder if this is the norm or if store-bought pies have a place at the table. For some, the idea of baked goods made with love and care is what makes the holiday extra special, while others find the convenience of store-bought pies to be just as satisfying. Let's delve into this tradition and explore the preferences and practices.
Homemade Pies: A Time-Honored Tradition
No matter your skill level in the kitchen, many people take pride in crafting their own pies for Thanksgiving. This can be a mix of bakers and non-bakers. Even those who may not be confident in their pie-baking abilities still feel that homemade is best. For instance, Apple pie, Pumpkin pie, Cherry pie, Coconut cream pie, and even Cheesecake are among the most popular homemade pies served at Thanksgiving.
For those who take the time to prepare their pies from scratch, the recipe often comes from online resources. Websites and cooking blogs offer countless pie recipes that can guide even the most novice bakers. One baker shares, 'Making my own pies is always worth the effort. Pumpkin, apple, cherry, coconut cream, and even chocolate pies are a few of my favorites. I usually also make an apple crisp as well.' Another baker emphasizes, 'Making pies for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite things to make! They’re better and not difficult to make really. Thanksgiving is so special it’s worth the effort.' Moreover, many bakers find it convenient to make the crust the day before, allowing the pie to be baked the morning of the holiday.
Convenience of Store-Bought Pies
While many aspire to make perfectly hemmed crusts and achieve that perfect golden-brown color, some might argue that store-bought pies strike the right balance between taste and convenience. Several grocery stores offer annual deals during the Thanksgiving season, where they list the items that should be on your shopping list, including pies. Some stores even provide instructions for how to assemble the pies.
Interestingly, despite the availability of these deals, a significant number of people still opt for store-bought pies. High-quality stores and bakeries often offer pies that are as delicious as homemade. One commenter notes, 'Making pies for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite things to make! They’re better and not difficult to make really. Thanksgiving is so special it’s worth the effort. They can be made the day before to make it even easier.' Others might choose to buy pies if the time constraints are too big, or if they have not mastered the art of pie-baking yet. The store-bought option allows them to enjoy a perfectly baked pie without the stress of producing one from scratch.
A few bakeries even advertise their desserts specifically for Thanksgiving, such as pies and desserts. One commenter talks about a local grocery store with an annual sale called a 'Thanksgiving meal deal,' where they advertise the items that should be on your shopping list, with a pie being one of them. In states such as this one, at least one grocery store offers these deals.
The Debate: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
The debate over homemade versus store-bought pies is essentially about tradition, effort, and preference. Homemade pies are often seen as a symbol of family effort and connection, while store-bought pies are a symbol of convenience.
While some feel that homemade pies provide a unique flavor and a sense of accomplishment, others view store-bought pies as an acceptable alternative, especially if time is limited or if baking skills are not up to par. Some baking sites also recognize this, stating that easy as pie because pie is easy, which validates those who prefer the simpler option without diminishing the tradition of homemade pies.
Ultimately, the choice between homemade and store-bought pies is a personal one. If making pies is something you enjoy and can do in a reasonable amount of time, go for it. However, if time is of the essence, or if you simply don't enjoy the process, buying a ready-made pie from the grocery store is perfectly acceptable. The most important part of Thanksgiving is the time spent together, regardless of whether the pies are homemade or store-bought.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving pies are a culinary tradition that brings people together. Whether you're inclined to bake your own or appreciate the convenience of store-bought treats, there's no right or wrong choice. Embrace the spirit of the season by enjoying the company and sharing your favorite pies. Happy Thanksgiving!