I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times – pie is diverse and extremely tasty! It is one of my favorite things to bring to potlucks or celebrations. With the leaves decorating the ground, I can officially say it is pie season! I like to keep cozy and warm with pie!
I’m excited to look through The Book on Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies (via Amazon; affiliate link) which comes out November 10th!
Let’s start by noting that the author Erin Jeanne McDowell is a well renowned baker. She is the baking consultant for Food52 and an award winning food stylist with a specialty in baking. She’s worked with some big names like Rachel Ray, the New York Times, and Food Magazine. Not only that, but McDowell has a large audience with over 100k Instagram followers that is only getting bigger. She’s the real deal and her cookbook only focuses on pies! I think we are in good hands.
Her book begins by explaining proper pie crust technique. This includes folding, freezing, mixing, and storing, for the best flakiest results. McDowell talks about different crusts (including gluten free!) and how to approach each kind!
What is unique about this recipe book is that McDowell encourages mixing and matching pie recipes. Imagine a Black Forest Pumpkin pie! I know it sounds strange, but it might be quite tasty and different than what is typically at the Thanksgiving table! Crust, filling, and techniques are all customizable for you to explore baking and flavor.
Throughout the book there are tips and tricks to increase the success of your bake. It’s almost as if McDowell is actually next to you being an assistant. Her tone throughout the book is really laid back and stress-free. This is so helpful, especially with baking pies. Sometimes it can be a difficult experience, but we always want to remember that this is for fun! And there’s a reward at the end! She even has sidebars with the “Whys of Pies” to help along the way.
McDowell visually shows us what dough and filling should and shouldn’t look like. This is one thing I struggle with, because I question myself as I am baking. Lot’s of authors describe the experience, but never really show what dry dough or wet dough looks like! Just these tips will enhance my current recipes!
Speaking of visuals, the photos in this cookbook are beautiful. Each recipe in The Book on Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies (via Amazon; affiliate link) looks like a showstopper. I’d love to create a pie that looks this amazing during the holiday season!
I appreciate the plethora of kinds of pies provided in this cookbook. From custards, savory, cold set, chiffon, etc – you’ll find something that will catch your eye!
~Kaiti
