Daily Dirt: America’s favorite pies are cherry, pumpkin and apple

Daily Dirt for Sunday, March 24, 2024

Just 99 days from now, we’ll reach Daily Dirt No. 1,000 … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 901 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Pie is one of the great American traditions, but which kind is best? Or at least most popular? And which kinds of pie are the most popular in what states? Thanks to instacart.com, we might now have more of an idea.

Data gathered from across the nation — involving 3.6 million pies sold — provides us with the pies Americans enjoy most:

1. Cherry, No. 1 in 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Wisconsin. Note: Fruit pies, like cherry, gained popularity in England during the 1500s. England legend claims Queen Elizabeth I was the first to ever try cherry pie.

2. Pumpkin, No. 1 in 9 states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah. Note: Early New England recipes hallowed out the pumpkin rather than making a crust.

3. Apple, No. 1 in 4 states and Washington, D.C.: Connecticut, Maryland, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. Note: Apple pie has English origins, according to Smithsonian magazine. but the dessert is an American classic. Even McDonalds makes apple pie.

Other pies that are favorites in at least two states: Pecan, blueberry, chocolate, key lime, Boston cream, banana cream, lemon meringue, Marionberry.

2. Count Shaquille O’Neal as another of those basketball fans falling in love with the women’s game.

“It’s just a better game, just more competitive,” he told People magazine.

While viewership numbers between men’s and women’s college basketball have always favored the men’s side, more and more basketball junkies believe the NCAA’s women are putting forward a more entertaining product.

“I hate to say it, but the women players are kicking the men’s butts,” O’Neal said. “You’ve got my Angel Reese. You’ve got all the girls from South Carolina. You’ve got JuJu Watkins, you’ve got Caitlin Clark.”

O’Neal attended an LSU women’s game early this season and came away even more impressed.

“It was my first time ever seeing the girls’ game way more packed than the boys’ game, but it was actually a good feeling. I’m happy for the young female athletes, and it’s inspiring to young girls,” O’Neal said.

3. It’s hard to believe 1989 was 35 years ago. My wife and I are parents of four kids ALL older than 35. (First of all, how is that possible? I was just a teenager a couple of weeks ago.)

Anyway, back to 1989 … here are my 10 favorite songs from 35 years ago. Does any of the following ring a bell?

• 1. “Blame it on the Rain,” by Milli Vanilli: Also one of my all-time favorite videos.
• 2. “Girl I’m Gonna Miss you,” by Milli Vanilli: R.I.P., Rob Pilatus.
• 3. “Girl You Know It’s True,” by Milli Vanilli: This was the only one of these top three songs that did not reach No. 1.
• 4. “Eternal Flame,” by the Bangles: Yes, I’ve always had a thing for Suzanna Hoffs.
• 5. “She Drives Me Crazy,” by Fine Young Cannibals: Lead singer Roland Gift was one of the most underrated talents of the 1980s.
• 6. “Listen to Your Heart,” by Roxette: R.I.P., Marie Fredriksson.
• 7. “When I See You Smile,” by Bad English: Speaking of underrated talents, how about John Waite?
• 8. “Like A Prayer,” by Madonna: Back when Madonna actually mattered.
• 9. “Baby Don’t Forget My Number,” Milli Vanilli: The duo’s third No. 1 song of the year.
• 10. “Waiting for a Start to Fall,” by Boy Meets Girl: Another great, great video from back in the day.

Steve Thought O’ The Day
The most underrated pie might just be key lime.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Let’s be honest. Steve’s favorite pie is either “All of the above” or “Can I have another slice?”