It’s time for a tasty tradition at USC’s McCutchen House

McCutchen House at the University of South Carolina, part of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, is holding its annual Pie Day on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

The House’s signature dessert – chocolate walnut pie – will be on sale for $12 apiece. Or pick up the ever-popular tomato pie kit for $15.

According to Becky Moran, program director at McCutchen House, Pie Day has been around for at least a dozen years. Students in HRTM 270 (Quantity Food Production) and 370 (Restaurant Food Production Management) classes, along with executive chef and instructor William Knapp, will prep, bake and package 700 chocolate walnut pies and 250 tomato pie kits.

“The students will begin baking pies on Monday (Nov. 14), and they will average 96 pies a day. We’ll take a look at the orders on Friday and make any adjustment over the weekend,” Moran said.

The original chocolate pie recipe used pecans, Knapp said. One year there was a shortage, so walnuts were substituted. The chocolate walnut pie was a hit and the recipe hasn’t changed since.

Knapp also came up with the tomato pie recipe. The 13 single-serve tarts come boxed with tart shells and filling packaged separately, so the pie doesn’t get soggy, and includes baking instructions. From start to finish, it only takes 15 minutes to complete warm-from-the-oven savory pies that can be served alone as an appetizer or side, or with a green salad as a light meal.

Speaking of pie orders, Moran said orders can be placed online through Tuesday morning.

“We like for the pies to be preordered and prepaid,” so the Tuesday midafternoon drive-thru pickup runs smoothly.

HRTM students will set up in the parking lot behind McCutchen House 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on that Tuesday, Nov. 22, filling orders.

Proceeds from Pie Day fund McCutchen House operations and educational classes.

This story was originally published November 16, 2016 at 3:21 PM with the headline "It’s time for a tasty tradition at USC’s McCutchen House."