Tahitian Cream from Slice of Pie, Rolla, MO
One of my foodie friends let me know that Saturday, January 23 is National Pie Day. It was so named because pie making is as easy as 1/23. Such momentous occasion must not go uncelebrated. After all, crusty confection has become a symbol of patriotism, as in “American as mom and apple pie.” (I even wrote a book entitled Apple Pie Patriot. It never got published, but that’s another story.)
Pies come in countless flavors. Over the years, I’ve had friend who’ve liked exotic varieties: gooseberry, vinegar, prune chiffon, buttermilk chess, mincemeat, or raisin. But I go for the more traditional offerings, my favorites being apple, coconut cream, and peach.
Slice of Pie
My favorite store-bought varieties come from a place called Slice of Pie. If you’re passing through Rolla on your way south or returning a student to the campus of the world-famous Missouri University of Science & Technology, plan to stop.
Nearly 30 years ago, Mickey Hopson, a former teacher, opened the bakery and since then it’s been turning out some of the biggest and best pies in the country. Don’t take my word for it. Southern Living labeled Slice of Pie one of the South’s Best Bakeries.
The place is tucked away in a small strip mall, behind a Laundromat, just yards off the intersection of Hwy. 63 and Kingshighway. (From I-44, take Exit 184 to get onto Kingshighway.) Make this stop once and it will become a permanent part of your trip through south Missouri.
The homemade desserts are big, luscious, and beautiful. My son-in-law is especially fond of the Boston Cream, which is much like a hybrid pie-cake. They’re a bit pricey, but worth every dime. You can buy most pies in any size you want. Get a slice, a half slice, a mini, or a whole, eat it there or take it with you. See a listing of their 40, or more varieties here and in this video clip.
Boston Cream Pie
Whether you’re buying or baking pies this weekend, be sure to eat a sliver, or at least, nibble a few crumbs. It’s the patriotic thing to do. Happy National Pie Day!
Slice of Pie, 601 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO; Open: 10a to 10p, 7 days a week. Cash only.
