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The History of American Pies with Catherine Lambrecht

Who doesn't love a good story about pie?

Early Americans used what was locally available and made the most from their ingredients to make something wonderous: pie. You might think that pies are just for dessert, but for our American ancestors, they were often considered survival food. Sometimes, they ate pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner for months at a time.

Catherine Lambrecht, who achieved Grand Champion and Best of Show at the Lake County Fair for apple pie, will present the history of pies in America and our state. 

Illinois’ contribution to our country’s pie culture includes the following:

• Pumpkin pie is Illinois’ State Pie, with over 90 percent of canned pumpkin grown in Illinois.
• The pecan pie was created in Illinois.
• Did you know Johnny Appleseed roamed our state? Apples originating in Kazakhstan are an introduced crop everywhere in the Americas.

During the hour-long event, Lambrecht will also share a story from the Family Heirloom Recipe Contest at the Illinois State Fair of love, family, a special pie, and a gift of immeasurable value.

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