The baking of pies, like so many other things, was invented by the
Russians. Specifically, by Yuri Bakeoff. As a sign of respect,
Russians hence the whole world honors the esteemed Mr. Bakeoff by
saying "Bakeoff those pies."

> wrote:

> What moron made up the phrase, "Bake it off"? Bake it off of what? I
> know what it means, but it sounds stupid. The first time I heard it
> was when I started working in a bakery. I was told to break out
> (another stupid term) some pies and bake them off. Why couldn't they
> just say bake these pies? I've noticed Paula Deen says it a lot on
> her shows. Is there a difference between baking a pie and baking off
> a pie? I know for me, either way, they're going to come out just the
> same.