What a way to kick off November–eating pie! In my opinion, November 1 kicks off the official start of baking season, and pies are one of those things that people should make more often. They seem intimidating, but with a little practice, mixing and rolling out pie crust is a cinch, while pouring in filling and baking is even easier.

And who doesn’t love pie?

If you’re not quite ready to dive in and bake your own, local WI folks should consider attending REAP’s Pie Palooza this Sunday, November 4th.. REAP is a wonderful local organization that works hard to educate and encourage people to grow, shop, cook and eat locally and sustainably. I especially admire their efforts with children and schools. See their press release below for more details on the event and a link to their web site:

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REAP Food Group’s 8th Annual Pie Palooza:
Eating Local is Easy as Pie!
 

Tickets on sale now for REAP’s Pie Palooza 2012
November, 4th 2012 – Goodman Community Center
Contact: Miriam Grunes
miriamg@reapfoodgroup.org
608-310-7836
 
 
MADISON, WI -Come grab a slice of local pie at REAP Food Group’s 8th Annual Pie Palooza event on November 4th, 2012! REAP’s last event of the season will transform the Goodman Community Center in to a pie-licious paradise. Chefs and bakers from all over town dream up special sweet and savory pies packed with locally-sourced ingredients, creating a unique Sunday brunch experience for the whole family to enjoy.A ticket to the event covers your choice of two slices of pie, a farm-fresh salad and a beverage. Savory pie choices will appeal to vegetarians and meat lovers alike, while sweet pies will include traditional favorites and innovative creations. With such mouth-watering options as Hickory Nut, Bourbon, Caramel Pie and Roasted Winter Squash, Goat Cheese, and Caramelized Onion Galette, the hardest part is deciding which slices to try!
 
Previous Pie Paloozas have attracted sell-out crowds and this year is expected to be no different. Advanced tickets are $16, and highly recommended, or $18 at the door if the event is not sold out. (Order online at www.reapfoodgroup.org, or in person at the REAP office at 306 E. Wilson St.) To assure shorter lines and plenty of seating, tickets are sold in four separate time slots. You may purchase a ticket for 9:30-10:30am, 10:30-11:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm, or 12:30-1:30pm. Walkups welcome if slots are not sold out!
 
If you’re thinking ahead to Thanksgiving, consider purchasing a whole, ready-to-freeze pie. Whole pies will be available for sale at the event until sold out. Hungry for more? Be sure to enter the on-site raffle for a chance to win pie for a year from Sun Prairie’s Market Street Diner and many more great prizes.
Visit reapfoodgroup.org for updates on pie bakers and flavors to be featured.
 
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REAP is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, focused on building a regional food system that is healthful, just, and both environmentally and economically sustainable. REAP connects producers, consumers, policy makers, educators, businesses, and organizations to nourish the links between land and table. REAP is committed to projects that shorten the distance from farm to table, support small family farmers, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, preserve the diversity and safety of our food supply and address the food security of everyone in our community.