A few days ago, a man wrote to me to say that he was putting together a book of tales about unselfish acts and he wanted to include my “pie project” in the book. I was honored to be thought of in that light… but what I wanted to say to him was this: I don’t really think that I qualify!
Before I explain, let me share a few stories with you.
Last summer I was privileged to cater a wedding for a wonderful couple. The reception hall was bustling with activity and with minutes to go before the guests arrived, I took a moment to put the finishing touches on the buffet. Without warning, a woman I’d never met approached me and quietly asked if she could tell me something. “Oh dear!” I thought. “What could possibly be wrong?” and then I turned to her and said, “Sure” hoping that it was a problem I could fix quickly.
The woman then told me that I had brought her a pie two years before. When she explained where she worked, her story came back to me. Her friend had recommended her to me because she was a hard worker, extremely considerate to guests, and at the time, she was pretty far along in her pregnancy. I’d tried to bring the pie to her directly, but Ava was busy working somewhere in the hotel and could not be located. That night I left the pie without ever meeting her.
One of my favorite combinations – love and quiches!
As Ava told me how much my pie had meant to her, I was overwhelmed with emotion (no surprise, eh?). To be truthful, I still had a full night’s work ahead of me, and was already tired, but I was also deeply touched that my simple gift had had such an impact.
Fast forward to a few days ago. An email arrived with sad news: a friend of my husband’s had lost his wife to cancer. Immediately, we shared our condolences and asked if there was anything we could do. A message came back announcing when the service was to be held. Knowing that we would not be able to attend, I explained that I would like to bring a pie… to show our concern and to give Ron something to share with the family and friends that would soon be with him.
My plan had been to bring the pie to Ron’s office and leave it for him, but when I arrived, I found him busy at his desk. I knocked gently on his door and he looked up at me. I could tell that he was trying to figure out how he knew me and so I introduced myself and gave him the pie. Then Ron said something that surprised me… it was something like this, “I’ve aspired to get one of your pies” and then he asked if he could give me a hug. Somehow I found my way out of his workplace without crying, but once outside, my tears flowed freely. I felt so grateful to have acted upon my intuition and given him that pie.
Kick-Ass Apple Almond Pie
Now let’s go back to the beginning of this post and address the word “unselfish.” Over the last few years, I have been on the receiving end of an abundance of good feelings and heartfelt emotions because of this “pie project” that I would not have earned otherwise. Truly, I would not trade those experiences for anything! In a way, I think I have been rather “selfish” because I keep making pies because I really love “getting” those good feelings!
Gluten-free Raisin Nut Cookies – a gift for a friend
We’ll see if my story makes it into the book… but it may not. It really doesn’t matter. What’s more important is that I have been able to share so many amazing moments with friends, family, and strangers because of something that comes naturally to me… and I can’t state this enough: If you are able to give of yourself, do so. You can give no greater gift… and there is no telling the good you may receive!
“To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48
“There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.” Paramahansa Yogananda
Pie a Day Give Away 
Do you ever share your recipes? Would love to make your kick ass Apple. Thanks if you do. Enjoy your sharing.
Kathy,
I’d be happy to share… though this won’t be a full-blown recipe as I am leaving for a trip tomorrow and still need to pack. Still, you should have enough information to get it done.
Prepare 5 cups of sliced apples (I usually use granny smith). Arrange apple slices in a 9″ pie crust. In a bowl, mix the following, and then pour it over the apples in the crust:
3/4 cup of sugar, 4 tbs. flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 cup heavy cream.
Bake at 375 for about 1 hour or until set.
If desired, toss about 2/3 cups sliced almonds with 2 tbs. melted butter and 2 tbs. sugar. Toast in oven until lightly golden and sprinkle on top of warm pie.
I hope this helps! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
KA