By Nat Wexler | Photos by Holly Leitner
One day a year brings joy to both mathematicians and foodies alike: March 14th, aka Pi Day. Pi Day celebrates the number 3.14, which is the first part of the equation that is used to calculate the ratio between a circle’s circumference and its diameter. But for those who are less mathematically inclined, another way to commemorate the holiday is to enjoy a piece of good, old-fashioned pie. The great news for those celebrating is that whether you prefer sweet pies or savory pot pies, the Geneva Lake area is home to several bakeries, some of which specialize in pie and others which offer a wide range of delectable items, including mouth-watering and even award-winning pies.
THE ELEGANT FARMER, MUKWONAGO
The Elegant Farmer has been a staple in southeastern Wisconsin for almost 80 years. What began as a farm stand that sold surplus fruits and vegetables has evolved into a sprawling market featuring delectable pies, as well as hams, breads, cheeses, sauces and a variety of other goods. But their most beloved offering is their signature “apple pie baked in a paper bag.” The Elegant Farmer sells over 300,000 of these pies each year, crediting the pie’s popularity to its quality ingredients. “We only use fresh Idared apples because they stay firm throughout the baking process and that makes it so you know that you’re eating real apples,” explains owner Keith Schmidt.
But it’s not just the ingredients that make for an exceptional pie. While some might think the paper bag is a gimmick, Schmidt says the bag actually serves a purpose in the three-part pie-baking process. During the third and final step, a window is cut in the paper bag so the crust can achieve its perfect crunch and signature golden-brown color.
For those who prefer a savory pie for their Pi Day celebration, The Elegant Farmer also makes homemade chicken pot pies, sold both fresh and frozen. Keith recommends that customers who purchase the frozen version do not skip the egg wash before baking. “It helps the crust achieve the flaky, golden brown texture,” he explains. And for those who want to send a slice of southeastern Wisconsin to distant friends or family, The Elegant Farmer offers shipping on select fruit pies (and hams!) through Goldbelly.
LAKE GENEVA CANNERY, DELAVAN
When you think of 32 flavors, a certain ice cream store probably comes to mind. But 32 is also the number of sweet pie flavors offered at Delavan’s Lake Geneva Cannery, including everything from classic strawberry rhubarb to peach or pecan. Owner Julie Von Bergen says she learned to bake pies from her grandmothers, and when the opportunity arose to have her own shop, she jumped at the chance. She first opened Lake Geneva Cannery in downtown Lake Geneva in 2014, but the shop quickly outgrew the space, so she moved a few miles northwest to the current location in the Delavan Inlet.
Von Bergen takes pride in the fact that all of her pies are made from scratch. She says that one of Lake Geneva Cannery’s bestsellers is the cherry pie, made with fresh cherries from Door County. Most of the common fruit pie options are usually stocked, while cream pie options are made to order and must be ordered ahead of time. Lake Geneva Cannery also stocks quiches and frozen pot pies, including: beef and vegetable; chicken and vegetable; and turkey and vegetable.
LAKE GENEVA PIE COMPANY, LAKE GENEVA
Lake Geneva Pie Company has offered fresh-baked, old-fashioned pies in Lake Geneva for more than 20 years. The popular pie bakery and café opened its doors in November 2001, and is now on its second generation of ownership. It offers over two dozen flavors of sweet pies, including a variety of fruit-and- cream pies, as well as quiches and pot pies. So what is owner Jennifer Adams-Klemke’s favorite flavor? “It is not an easy question to answer,” she laughs, adding that she loves all of Lake Geneva Pie Company’s offerings.
Adams-Klemke says she loves to experiment with pie flavors. “Anything we can put in a pie crust, we will try it,” she says. The bakery’s top sellers are the classic apple pie and the Lakeshore Berry pie, which is a blend of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. She notes that not every pie flavor is available in-store every day. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to see what is available and, if necessary, make a special order. She also notes that the bakery is able to accommodate some allergies and dietary restrictions.
PASTRIES BY CHAD, ELKHORN
Located roughly 15 minutes north-west of Lake Geneva is Pastries by Chad. Chef Chad Visger started his namesake bakery with his wife, Samantha, in a rented kitchen in 2021 before moving the operation to its current storefront location two years later. Since then, Pastries by Chad has picked up numerous accolades for its pastries. “There is something magical about pastries,” Visger says and his love for his work shows, especially when it comes to his pies.
What is Visger’s secret to coming up with new pie flavors? “I love using ingredients and flavors that you wouldn’t normally see in a pie,” Visger explains. But the classics are always crowd pleasers, too. Some of the top sellers include the creme brûlée pie, banana cream pie and French silk pie. Pastries by Chad offers individual-sized pies in flavors like key lime and chocolate, which are usually available in the bakery case (though Visger points out that customers are encouraged to call ahead for exact availability). Full- sized fruit and cream pies should be ordered 72 hours in advance.
Our pie experts add that, in case you bite off more than you can chew and find yourself with extra pie, there are steps you can take to make that leftover pie taste just as delicious as the day you bought it. Fruit pies are generally pretty durable and usually last about a week. If you plan on enjoying your pie in the next day or two, you can even leave it out on the counter, but if you plan on saving your pie for a few more days, wrap leftover pieces and place them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to enjoy the pie again, unwrap them and put the pie in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes. Take note, however: cream pies are not as durable and should be placed in the fridge immediately and eaten within two days of purchase.
