Date set for Pies Against Cancer 2014: Sunday February 9

I have picked the Sunday after the Large Football Game for Pies Against Cancer 2014. I'll be posting more details soon, but rest assured that the event will resemble Pies Against Cancer 2013 in many, many ways. Especially with the pies. The delicious pies.

Mark your calendars!

And if you can't wait to make a donation, I have set up the donor page here:

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/GivingSite?pg=fund&fr_id=1860&pxfid=35283

Thanks for your generosity!

Another record-breaking success

Thanks to my generous friends, we have raised over $1,500 for Sloane-Kettering. Time for a pat on the back for everyone who helped. There's still time to give, which you can do here.

But what you're really interested in would be the pies, right? Beautiful pictures of tasty pies? Coming right up!

Ten pies, all lined up and ready to be loved. And by loved, I mean eaten.

So, one by one:

Cranberry Orange Walnut. Tart and sweet.

Razzle Dazzle (mixed berries).

Pecan. This year, again, made without Karo. Still delicious.

Chocolate Silk Pie. Emphasis on chocolate.

Treacle Tart (a childhood favorite of Mom's).

Buttermilk Pie. A fan favorite. So popular, it got sponsored twice.

Blueberry Pie. Because what pie party is complete without one?

Apple Pie. Because Apple Pie is delicious.

Chocolate Chess Pie. Because people can't get enough chocolate.

Key Lime. We decided that next year, there will be two of these.

Mom points to the Key Lime Pie (she did most of the work on that one).

I admire my creation.

We washed this all down with six bottles of Prosecco.

The neighbors came by afterwards and took some samples. You'll notice that there's also a slice of a Tarte Tatin I made. It was delicious, but not photogenic. Kinda looked like it had been run over by a truck. More work required for next year on that one.

Finally, the pie-making superhero reveals his true identity (or does he?).

Update for Pies Against Cancer 2013

The Pies Against Cancer extravaganza is less than a week away (Sunday Februay 10, from 2-5, to be precise). For those who have already RSVP'd, many thanks. For those who have already donated, thanks again! For those of you still on the fence, here's a little incentive: I have been finalizing the line-up of pies that I will be baking. So far, the winners are:

Buttermilk (two of them. It's a popular pie)
Apple
Pecan
Razzle Dazzle (mixed berries)
Key Lime
Treacle Tart
Chocolate Silk
Cranberry Walnut
Tarte Tatin.

There are also going to be one or two more players to be named later, depending on the number of people who plan on coming. If you don't see a favorite of yours on the list, let me know. Blueberry is still just a maybe at this point, and I'm thinking of introducing chocolate chess pie. Or maybe bringing back spicy mango? Who can tell? I'm also thinking about adding whipped cream as an option. Crazy, right?


Here's the link to donate:
http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR?pxfid=27540&pg=fund&fr_id=1590
I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible next Sunday.
And feeding you pie.

2013 FAQ

When is the party?

Sunday February 10, from 2pm to 5pm. For those keeping score at home, that's the weekend after the Superbowl but before the Washington/Lincoln long weekend.

Where is the party?
400 East 85th Street, Apartment 9D. This is on the southeast corner of 85th Street and First Avenue.

This is a fundraiser?
Yes. Once again I am raising money for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, one of the nation's leading cancer hospitals.

How do I donate?
Simply click on this link which takes you to my fundraising page. Your donation goes directly to MSKCC, which will send you a receipt right away, avoiding any awkward exchange of money with me, waiting for checks, etc. They're a 501(c)(3), so your donation is fully tax-deductible. And while, in many other respects, cash is king, it makes getting you the tax deduction much more complicated. Checks? Yep, they’re fine, too, but donating through the website makes things easier for everyone involved.

Did you say my donation is fully tax-deductible?
Yes, because you receive nothing of material value in exchange. Apparently, the IRS doesn't consider my pies to be of any material value (shakes head in disbelief).

So how much should I give?
As much as you feel comfortable giving.

That's really vague, Christopher.
I am suggesting that you each give $10. I'm suggesting this the way the Metropolitan Museum of Art suggests that you give $20 for admission. Not strictly speaking a barrier to entry, but a nice gesture.

For your pies (and to fight cancer) I would gladly give more! Should I donate more than $10?
You are too kind! In that case, I would suggest that you sponsor a pie.

How much does it cost to sponsor a pie?
After consulting with my inner math geek, I decided on $31.42. Which is approximately ten times pi. Geddit?

What do I get for sponsoring a pie?
Pay attention, as this is different from previous years, when I put your name on the pie and you got to take home the leftovers. At my Mom’s suggestion, this year I’m offering you the option of having me bake you a pie all for yourself, at a time and place we can arrange before or after the party. I'll still put your name in bold on the program (note to self: make programs for this party). Of course, you can still just sponsor a pie at the party and take home leftovers. Either way, you get to eat pie. And you may thank my Mom in person. If you live outside New York, we might be able to find a time to hand off a pie, but if it involves flying, this is probably not a good idea. Also not a good idea: sending pies through the mail.

Can I pick which pie to sponsor?
Sure! Why not? And because of the option of getting your pie later, more than one person can sponsor the same kind of pie. No fighting as to who gets to sponsor my pecan pie. Because there has been some disappointment in previous years. And if you're not sure what kind of pie you might want to sponsor - and who can blame you, there are so many! - you can scroll through the blog and see what pies I've baked in the past.

So, tell me more about Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Gladly. Here's some language they provided:

As one of the nation’s premier cancer centers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is committed to exceptional patient care, leading-edge research, and superb educational programs. The close collaboration between its physicians and scientists is one of the Center’s unique strengths. Such collaborations enable MSKCC to provide patients with the best care available today as they work to discover more effective strategies to prevent, control, and ultimately cure cancer in the future.

On a personal note, I'd also add that Sloan-Kettering is where my Mom's colon cancer was treated so successfully. Thanks, Sloan-Kettering!

Finally, are you sure that pies would be against cancer, if only they had the power of speech?
I most certainly am.

Pies Against Cancer: back for 2013! Mark your calendars!

I've just heard back from Sloan-Kettering, and we've got the donations page set up. This means that there's nothing left to do but announce the date for this year's Pies Against Cancer fundraiser. I'll be hosting friends and pies on Sunday February 10 from 2 to 5pm at my apartment (400 East 85th Street). More details and explanations to follow, but the general idea is the same as in previous years: you are encouraged to donate and/or sponsor a pie. The money goes directly to Sloan-Kettering. Invites go out soon, but in the meantime, save the date!