Today I made the 5th pie in my journey. Yes, only 45 to go! I picked OHIO this week, the Buckeye Pie. For some reason this pie reminds me of Fall. Maybe it’s our busier schedules or the crisp air that has me craving the comfort of Peanut butter pie.
If you’re like me, you might know OHIO as the ‘Buckeye State’ because of those dreamy PB balls dipped in chocolate. The candy resembles the nut of the Buckeye tree. The Native Americans named this poisonous nut, Buckeye, because it looked like the ‘eye of a buck.’ This is OHIO’s official state tree and the ‘O’ on the state flag is meant to look like the nut. Ohioans have been calling themselves ‘Buckeyes’ since, at least, the Presidential election of 1840. Ohio resident, William Henry Harrison, used the ‘Buckeye’ as a symbol in his Presidential election, even including lyrics about the nut in his campaign song. (He was elected and interestingly enough, he died 31 days into his term). Besides all the fascinating history, I’ve also met some of the most wonderful people from this state. Military life connects you with people from all over the World, encountering folks you would have never met if it were not for this crazy life. I’m thankful for all my Ohio friends. Ohio makes good people and good pie.
I’m not sure how much description this pie needs. I think most of us are familiar with the awesomeness of PB and chocolate. If you’ve ever had a Buckeye ball, this pie is that, in an amplified version. I used crushed Oreos for the crust and filled it with this creamy, smooth, full of PB, goodness. Topped with a chocolate ganache and peanuts. If this pie wasn’t extra enough, I added chopped up Buckeye balls to take it over the top. So rich, you’ll definitely be needing a glass of milk to wash it down with.
I’ve been through Ohio several times on road trips and to visit family. If you are a fan of the movie, ‘A Christmas Story,’ I highly recommend you visit A Christmas Story House in Cleveland. You can reenact all your favorite scenes in this restored home and support a Veteran owned business. My family actually ate Buckeyes, in Ohio, waiting to tour the house, how Ohioan is that?!!
Eating our Buckeyes while we wait for The Christmas Story House to open
Awww my cute family
PB and Chocolate Heaven, you don't have to add Buckeyes to the top, if you're in a hurry you could use chopped up Reeses PB cups.
I decided to Deliver a Buckeye Pie to one of the sweetest military spouses I know, who happens to be from Ohio. She's amazing and totally deserves it. This is the sunset crossing over the bridge from Virginia to Maryland. Sunset and Pie, what a sight.
That's Megs my sweet friend.
Thanks for following my pie journey as I make Taste of Home's '50 Pies for 50 States.'
Originally Published September 19, 2019