Perhaps you have a favorite Thanksgiving you’ll cherish forever or a stretch of years when it was most memorable. Maybe it was the years your grandparents hosted or after you got married and carved out your own traditions. For me, it was a long stretch of time when the women in my family would gather on Thanksgiving Eve to bake pies with Mom.

So. Many. Pies.

Mom Had the Magic Touch

My mother had the gift of making delectable pie dough. Not an overly precise or fancy cook, she’d roughly eyeball her “measurements” of flour, pinch of salt, shortening and water and mix it by hand. Then, testing how the dough felt, she’d tweak the ingredients as needed.

The dough always came out flaky and tender. Pie crust nirvana. Every year, she’d remind us to not overwork the dough as we watch her in her baking glory. But somehow, despite her tips and all our pie-making years, we never quite mastered her knack for making dough. While I give my sisters credit for their attempts to recreate her recipe; it’s sadly a lost cause for me. I now turn to store-bought Pillsbury pie crusts; they’re not even close but the best reliable substitute.

I remember I’d plan leaving work as early as I could on those Wednesdays because if you arrived after 3, you were late to the party. My nieces and nephews, so young then, joined in the fun.

Pies Galore and Especially Apple

Apple pies ruled; everyone took some home. Plus, there was pumpkin, chocolate cream and custard. My sister-in-law, who’s since passed away, added lemon meringue to our tradition. And leftover dough remnants weren’t tossed out. We’d bake the “pie crust cookies” with a sprinkle of sugar and sometimes cinnamon; my older sister adored these. And would you believe pie crust cookies are a thing now?

As was my ritual, I’d show up wearing my favorite red apron with the words “Kitchen Bitch” on the front. As my young nieces and nephews learned to read, they’d chide their auntie for wearing it with a “bad” word.

After the pies were baked, we’d order takeout and the men would join the festivities. We’d gather over party pizzas around the island. And then, we’d work together to prep the vegetables for the next day, peeling potatoes, carrots, turnip and onions.

It was a long day of cooking; but it was filled with silly banter, laughter and bonding. I miss this tradition but I cling dearly to the memories.

Unforgettable Times with Mom

My siblings and our families had a special synergy then. Things are different now that Mom is gone.

Thanksgiving Eve was truly Mom’s holiday; she was in her element. I miss her. Her voice, her energy, her laugh. But I’m so thankful to have had these unforgettable family times while they lasted, thanks to her.

I’m so blessed Mom taught me by example the importance of building family traditions. Because of her and this custom, I’ve created my own with my stepdaughters and grandchildren; some of which, I’ve shared with you.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! May you be blessed with your own traditions to carry on memories with your loved ones.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHOCOLATE CHIP RECIPE? Check out my post on Mrs. Fields cookies and baking memories.

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