Best Holiday Take-Home Pies
I'm forcing you to wear your extra-stretchy pants this Holiday Season, because you'll be craving more than one thin piece of pie. A good pie wraps up the entire meal and below are the places that are here to help.
Dessert is always the best part of the meal, so stop kidding yourself and just ask for the big piece.
Chocolate Cappuccino Mousse Pie from The Big Easy
1660 East 55th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
773-643-5500
Dear Ghirardelli Chocolate,
You are a woman's best friend. Even though I have stuffed my stomach to the brim, I still know how to make room for you on every holiday. The Big Easy has decided to create you into a cappuccino mousse on top of an Oreo-based crust and then smother you with an ice cream-like whipped topping. While I always kid myself and ask for a "thinly-sliced piece," I always end up wanting more. I plan to savor every bite of you, as I have been eyeing you all day on my counter. That one missing piece- I have no idea who would have taken a bite of you already.
Love,
All women of Chicago
Pumpkin Pie from Bake for Me
608 West Roosevelt
Chicago, IL 60607
312-957-1994
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312-644-7750
4305 South Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60609
773-624-9911
bakeforme.com
If you are looking for a very traditional and very delicious pumpkin pie, Bake for Me is the place to go. They specialize in the traditional and know how to do it well. Their moist pumpkin pie is perfect for any holiday table and helps you take the messiness out of the kitchen. Helpful hint: Bake for Me's cookies are to die for and they can make your family delicious cookies in any shape and size as well. A pie or cookie basket is a great way to say "Happy Holidays!"
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie From Wicker Basket Café
2113 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
773-698-8413
www.wickerbasketcafe.com
If you are the kind to need an extra kick in your Pumpkin Pie, try Wicker Basket Café. Their Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie has a graham cracker crust filled with a pumpkin ice cream and topped with a cinnamon-nutmeg whipped topping. Have you been extra good this year? Well, you get a cookie too- a gingersnap right on top of your pie. I bet Mom will even cut you an extra big piece for being so good.
Pear Apple Cranberry Pie with Walnut Crumbles from Hoosier Mama Pie Shop
1618 ½ Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
312-243-4846
www.hoosiermamapie.com
Need I say more? I think the title alone makes my mouth water every time I read it. This one is obviously for the fruit lover— when they add a walnut and sugar topping, I'm sold.
First Slice
4401 North Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
773-506-7380
163 East Pearson
Chicago, IL 60611
312-202-1227
www.firstslice.org
First Slice is a non-profit organization designed to help the hungry. This is a perfect way to enjoy a pie during the Holidays, as this is the season that is all about giving. Founded by chef Mary Ellen Diaz, the organization offers eight different pies to choose from, and profits go to making quality three-course meals for those who cannot afford any. You can stop by one of her two locations or subscribe to the charity to receive home cooked meals delivered to your doorstep. Just $40 provides food for 50-60 servings of soup to the homeless.
"For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home." ~W.J. Ronald Tucker
Alycia Nicole is a concierge in the heart of Downtown Chicago and is a certified Holiday Pie Devourer. Agree or disagree with Alycia? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
