ABriTooMuch   Pie Birds Anonymous Pie birds, or pie funnels, originated in Europe in the 1700s as simple cylindrical or hourglass-shaped ceramic vents to prevent pies from boiling over by releasing steam. These early “pie chimneys” became popular in the 19th century, particularly in the UK, and were sometimes even used as promotional items. The whimsical bird shape we know today? That popped up in the 1930s in the United States—likely inspired by the nursery rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence” and older royal baking traditions. From there, pie birds became both practical little kitchen tools and quirky collectibles. And then came Le Creuset. Le Creuset makes the most gorgeous ones I’ve ever seen. Granted, I had been making pies since my grandmother taught me at age seven—without a pie bird. But suddenly I needed one. The problem? What color?? They came in so many beautiful shades, and the more