funeral pie

English

Etymology

So-called from the Amish custom of serving them at wakes and funerals, which developed because raisins are available year-round, unlike seasonal fruits.

Noun

funeral pie (plural funeral pies)

1. (US) A sweet pie with a spiced raisin- (or sometimes dried cherry-) based filling, found in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
   • 2015 April 7, Ellery Adams, Lemon Pies and Little White Lies, Penguin, →ISBN:

     Taking hold of a box of raisins, she wondered how many more funeral pies she'd be making in the future. “None,” she whispered resolutely. She spent a moment in front of her spice tins and ran her fingers across the tubs filled with sugar, flour, and nuts.

   • 2017 July 7, Ruth Hartzler, Amish Romance: Amish Romance, Amish Romance Books:

     Tiffany helped her pack the funeral pies into the buggy. “Why are they called funeral pies again?” Tiffany asked her. Miriam sighed. She hoped Tiffany would not ask too many questions that she had already answered previously.

   • 2019 July 28, Ruth Hartzler, Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery Box Set Book 1-3: Cozy mysteries, Clean Wholesome Books, →ISBN:

     “Would you make some funeral pies?” “Sure.” I turned to Eleanor and Matilda. “I'll show you how to make funeral pies.” Eleanor raised her eyebrows. “But no one has died.” The Amish ladies standing by all chuckled.