Happy National Pi (3.14) Day! I was in the kitchen yesterday, to share an awesome pie recipe – but, it didn’t quite pan out the way I’d like. So, here’s an awesome round-up of the pies I’ve made so far (and loved!) instead. The geek in me loves any holiday centered around numbers and decimals – but one that involves pie? You definitely don’t have to twist my arm to celebrate this food holiday!Fresh Strawberry PieFresh Strawberry Pie – this pie is ideal when strawberries are in season locally, which I believe they are for some of my friends down south already. But, I’ve made it with strawberries from a clam-shell container in my grocery store before and it’s still wonderful. I loved making a strawberry pie from scratch – that didn’t involve a tub of that horrid red gel.

Triple Berry PieTriple Berry Pie – this is another delicious berry pie, which just so happens to be over-the-top beautiful! Filled with plump blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries – it’s sure to please any pie lover!Tomato PieTomato Pie – Who said savory pies shouldn’t have any fun? Tomato pie is pretty much my lunch for at least half of the days in the summer. I like to eat it warm, or cold – and paired with a salad? It’s the perfect meal in my eyes. I actually made one this week with hothouse tomatoes from the grocery store, I just couldn’t wait for July!

Apple {oeClassic Apple Pie – this guy needs to introduction. It’s the pie to end all pies – apple. This is a great recipe too, no overly sweet with plenty of spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side? Perfection.

Chocolate Cream PieChocolate Cream Pie – I’d say this is my favorite of the lot. Although, I’ve always been more of a cream-based pie versus a fruit-based pie – but don’t hold it against me! An Oreo crust, a creamy and rich chocolate pudding, then topped off with fluffy whipped cream. Heaven in a pie plate!

Peach PiePeach Pie – I love any dessert involving peaches, but in a buttery flaky pie crust – topped with a gorgeous lattice topping? A true thing of beauty. Also, does peach pie remind anyone else of The Peach Pie and Beverly Hills, 90210? Nat would be proud of this pie!

Macadamia Key Lime PieMacadamia Key Lime Pie – the crust is composed of rich, buttery shortbread cookies and crushed up macadamia nuts. Then filled with a traditional key lime filling that’s made with lime juice, condensed milk, and cream cheese. One of my favorite pies, without a doubt!

Blueberry PieBlueberry Pie – an all American favorite. A buttery, flaky double-layer pie crust stuffed with a sweet filling that’s composed of lots of fresh blueberries. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Ricotta Pineapple PieRicotta Pineapple Pie – definitely not the most traditional version of a pie in this lot, it’s definitely not one to be overlooked. It’s light and refreshing, perfect for warmer weather. A rich and creamy filling, topped with sweet and refreshing pineapple. Definitely one to try!

Caprese PieCaprese Pie – similar to my tomato pie, but a little heartier since it’s layered with mozzarella cheese. Absolutely delicious, and the perfect meal in the warmer months!

Sweet Cherry PieSweet Cherry Pie – I always look forward to cherry season just so that I can make a pie with fresh cherries. This version uses sweet dark cherries, since that’s all I can ever get my hands on. It’s absolutely delicious – and worth all the work of pitting the cherries, I promise!

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My husband works for the government, and occasionally the opportunity to travel presents itself. Since I’ve been staying at home with Andrew, it’s been great because we can go with him. Usually, its just to Washington DC, which I always enjoy. I grew up just outside of Annapolis – so getting up that way to visit with friends and family is always welcome. This time though, it was New York City, and I was ecstatic.

I went to New York with my high school drama class back in ’98. We were there 1 night, and we stayed in Jersey. Needless to say, all we had a chance to do was see a couple of shows and do a bit of shopping. I’ve been anxious to get back ever since.

We left here Monday morning at around 8:30 – drove to Newark, NJ. Took a train into the city.  By 3:30 we were checked into the hotel.  I already had a “plan of action” ready. We only had 2 days there, and I wanted to cover as much territory as possible.

That afternoon we went to the “Top Of The Rock“. The view was absolutely unbelievable. To see that huge chunk of green amidst that sea of concrete…

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After that it was off to the first of my “foodie” stops. Russ & Daughter’s and Katz’s Deli are both notorious locations . Even though I don’t care for pastrami OR cured fish, I still had to go, just to pay homage. We went to Russ & Daughter’s first. Everything smelled and looked so fresh. It’s very small inside. One aisle, with display counters on either side of you. I felt humbled, to think of all of those who had stood in that spot before me.

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After chatting with Ron (are they fishmongers?), we went over to Katz’s Deli. It was packed, as I had anticipated. The cutters are quick though, and we had a sandwich in about 10 minutes. I had eaten a panini back at the hotel, so I wasn’t that hungry. But, Jon and Andrew both enjoyed the pastrami with mustard sandwich and the pickles that accompanied it.

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I wandered around and looked at all of the celebrity photographs on the wall. Everyone you could possibly imagine. I also learned that Katz’s is the location of the infamous diner scene in “When Harry Met Sally”. Humbling moments lurked around every corner in Katz’s!

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Of course by the time we got back to the hotel, I was hungry. Jon ran out and got me a couple of slices of Ray’s, and it was everything I had hoped NY pizza could be. I love a hint of sweetness in a pizza sauce. Just a hint though!

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Tuesday morning Andrew and I took the subway down to Chelsea. We visited Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment and Magnolia Bakery.  After our faces had been sufficiently stuffed with cupcakes, we walked down to Chelsea Market. It wasn’t really what I expected (I tend to build up grandiose visions in my head), but there were a couple of things that really rocked my socks. Buon Italia (an Italian import store) was amazing, as was the Manhattan Fruit Exhange. Anything that grows under the sun they had at this place.

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Fresh Wood Ear mushrooms! Actual baby carrots! Piles of meyer lemons! It was all to much for my faint heart.  Also, it was a great opportunity snap some photographs. I took the 50mm with me on this outing. Earlier in the day I had cursed this decision when I was unable to get a complete shot of Carrie’s apartment. However, I was glad I had this lens for these shots.

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That night we walked around Little Italy and Chinatown. Talk about a different world! They had produce I had never seen or heard of. Ate dinner one of the many restaurants on Grand Street, and picked up a couple of cannolis to take back to the hotel.

The next day I just kind of meandered around. Walked to Times Square to take a few pictures and ran into the Naked Cowboy. That was about the extent of my celeb sightings. And, he doesn’t really count since hanging out in Times Square is kind of his job.

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I went back to Chelsea Market to buy a few things to take home with me, I just couldn’t resist. Then, came back to Midtown to do a little shopping before going back to the hotel to get everything packed up before Jon was done working.

It was a great trip. We did  a lot, saw a lot, ate a lot.  But, I was glad to get home. I couldn’t deal with that hustle and bustle all the time. They say that you have to leave home before you can miss it, and that is very true. But, it’s definitely good to get away from the slow pace here on the Eastern Shore once in a while.