The First Law of Pies: 'No Pastry, No Pie.

It could be argued that there is an element of entertainment in every pie, as every pie is inherently a surprise by virtue of its crust.

America has developed a pie tradition unequivocally and unapologetically at the sweet end of the scale, and at no time is this better demonstrated than at Thanksgiving.

The Second Law of Pies: they must be baked, not fried (or boiled, or steamed).

Pies mean Thanksgiving and Christmas and picnics.

We have been careless with our pie repertoire. The demise of apple-pear pie with figs and saffron and orengeado pies are tragic losses.