Is it Pi Day or Pie Day? Let’s celebrate both — the mathematical infinite and the scrumptious dessert. Pi Day is observed on March 14 around the world, chosen because the numerical date is the first three digits of pi (3.14).
Pi is the symbol used to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — and, appropriately, we’re celebrating our constant and infinite love for pies.
What better way to celebrate than with some all-time favorites from our “Electric Kitchen” archives.
>> Tip: To cut a perfect slice of pie, dip your knife in hot water quickly, wiping it dry before cutting.
CHOCOLATE CHIP TORTE
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 2 eggs, separated
- 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, divided
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate, plus extra for topping
- 1 (9-inch) premade graham cracker crust
- 1 cup whipped cream
In bowl of mixer, beat egg yolks and add 2-1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and milk. Pour into a medium pot and set over low heat; cook mixture until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
In a small bowl, combine gelatin with water and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolk mixture and gelatin; chill until partially set.
In bowl of mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold into gelatin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into graham cracker crust and chill until firm.
Add remaining vanilla to whipped cream and spread over filling. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips. Serves 8.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 360 calories, 23 g total fat, 11 g saturated fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 26 g sugar, 6 g protein.
COCONUT CREAM PIE
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk, scalded
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 (9-inch) baked pie shell
- >> Topping:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In bowl of mixer, beat egg yolks. Combine sugar, salt and cornstarch; stir into egg yolks.
In a medium pot on low heat, combine egg mixture, milk, coconut milk and butter. Stir constantly until mixture thickens. Cool.
Stir in vanilla and coconut. Pour into pie shell.
>> To make topping: In bowl of mixer, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread over filling in pie shell; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Bake 15-20 minutes or until coconut is lightly browned. Serves 8.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 360 calories, 22 g total fat, 15 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 21 g sugar, 6 g protein.
BANANA CHIFFON PIE
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/4 teaspoon grated orange rind
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 3 eggs yolks, slightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 egg whites
- 1 (9-inch) baked pie shell
- Whipped cream, for serving
In a small pot on low heat, combine fruit juices and bananas. Add lemon and orange rind, salt, 1/4 cup sugar and egg yolks. Cook until mixture begins to thicken.
Soften gelatin in water. Add to banana mixture and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Chill.
In a bowl of electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
When banana mixture is slightly congealed, fold in beaten egg whites. Pour into pie shell; chill until firm. Serve with whipped cream. Serves 8.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including whipped cream): 220 calories, 7 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 70 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 19 g sugar, 5 g protein.
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com Opens in a new tab.
