Celebrate Math With Pi Day Recipes

Whether you majored in mathematics or called it quits after algebra, pretty much everybody knows about pi. It's defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, and it's roughly 3.14. That's why in 1988, the San Francisco Exploratorium declared March 14 the first Pi Day.

We're a food blog -- why are we writing about pi? Because it's become a tradition to celebrate Pi Day with pie, of course! We're featuring four sweet and savory pie recipes for you to try on Pi Day. Who knew math could be so delicious?

Pi Day Recipes: Chicken Pot Pie

Forget the frozen pot pies in aluminum dishes from your childhood. This chicken pot pie from Two Peas and Their Pod is a masterpiece. But don't let the impressive photos intimidate you; the prep time isn't as daunting as you might think.

You can use leftover meat from roasting a chicken or turkey, or grab a fresh rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Likewise, you can make your own pie crust, or grab a refrigerated pre-made crust. Some days we have time to make everything from scratch, and other days we have to take a shortcut or two.

Pi Day Recipes: Wine-Braised Beef Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie always seems like more trouble than it's worth, but this recipe from Iowa Girl Eats has convinced us to give it another try. It uses chuck roast instead of lamb, braised in a mixture of red wine and beef broth. Make sure you have a Dutch oven to sear the meat and keep it juicy while it braises.

If you don't make this one for Pi Day, Shepherd's Pie is a wonderful dish to serve on St. Patrick's Day. Put it on the calendar for next Friday.

Pi Day Recipes: Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper Pie is another recipe that's ideal for St. Patrick's Day. Make it then, or for Pi Day -- or for both! Once you get a taste of this vintage pie from Boulder Locavore, you might look for any excuse to whip one up.

Don't be fooled by the light texture of the filling; all of the cream, half and half, and marshmallows make this pie quite rich. We like how Toni adds a layer of cookie crumbs in the middle of the pie, and then again on top. It's a great texture variation, and it ensures every bite contains that mint chocolate flavor combination.

Pi Day Recipes: Mango Mousse Pie

This pie recipe from Serious Eats is just what we need to feel like spring is really on the way. Use frozen mango chunks or fresh mango to make the mousse. This process requires your full attention, so keep stirring and exercise patience when folding. The results will be worth it.

This recipe should be refrigerated overnight, so plan ahead. While you can pipe whipped cream rosettes on top, we think it would be fun to pipe the Greek letter pi instead.