Tool - Pie Birds

by Billie Ann Woo

These cute little peepers are often found in the baking section of CTKB, although at certain times of the year, they migrate into different areas depending on the season. They are most comfortable wedged in a pie, sitting on top of the bottom crust and poking out through the top crust. They provide support to the top crust (from sagging) but more importantly they vent out steam from the pie through their beaks. They have been in use for centuries – some historians even claim all the way back in the 1500s or during Victorian times. Their origin probably comes from the nursery rhyme featuring baking blackbirds in pies even though that particular recipe isn’t as popular today. Either as a whimsical kitchen helper or to keep you company, keep your eye out for pie birds at CTKB!

Tip: Use these birds for all kinds of pie – meat or fruit!

Trick: Use leftover crust to create a decorative edge/nest for your bird to sing from.