Cover Image: The Book On Pie

The Book On Pie

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This copy is not downloading for me which is such a shame because it looks fabulous. This is why I am rating 3/5 stars.

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It isn’t just that I love to eat and look at pie; I, of course, want to make pie that looks and tastes delicious. Yet, where baking is concerned, the space between wanting to create something and actually creating it can be vast. I have more failed pie in my past than I care to admit. THE BOOK ON PIE may be my new constant companion, especially as the holidays approach. Just reading the book, before I actually tried the recipes, helped me understand so many of my previous stumbling blocks. And there are pictures enough to satisfy everyone. This book by Erin Jeanne McDowell is a complete winner and I pre-ordered a hard copy for myself and my sister, the baker. She’s going to love it, too. So, I DID try a recipe, how could I not? I made the apple pie with gingerbread flavored crust. It was amazing and not surprisingly, it didn’t last long at all. This is the only possible downside I can detect: disappearing pie. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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Why is pie the best dessert?!?

The Book on Pie begins with a breakdown of all the equipment that you’ll commonly use while making pies and the different types of pies. There’s an entire section devoted to making your pie crust and it even includes extras like how to use your crust dough scraps. I never imagined there were so many different types of pie crust! There was also an entire section on topping your pie! Which, let’s face it, is the best way to transform a pie from ok to fancy bakeshop quality.

The variation of recipes in this book was insane! There were handheld pies, fruit pies, tartes, pie sandwiches, custard pies, cheesecakes and cream pies! The recipes were detailed and in depth but easy to follow. They all sounded delicious but I’m really looking forward to trying my hand at making the white peppermint pie, the peanut butter banana cream pie and the butterscotch apple pie!

The Book on Pie is an incredible read for anybody interested in learning more about pie making! It’s full of amazing information and incredible recipes! Would highly recommend it!

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The Book on Pie is an encyclopedic primer and recipe collection developed and curated by Erin Jeanne McDowell. Due out 10th Nov 2020 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on their Rux Martin imprint, it's 352 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Pies, in all their variations, are classic and universal - spanning nearly all world cuisines in one form or another. They can be simple or devilishly difficult to make consistently. This new collection of tutorials and recipes guides the baker through the process in an accessible and understandable way. The introduction includes a good overview of tools, supplies, and ingredients.

The layout is graphically appealing, logical and easy to follow. The chapters are arranged roughly thematically: from dough and crust variations, decor and toppings, fruit pies, custard pies, cream chiffon & cold set pies, and savory pies. Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (metric & US measurements included - yay!), step by step instructions, as well a footers with tips and alternative suggestions as well as professional tips on presentation and more. One of the high points of the book for me were the photographs. Although not all the recipes are accompanied by photos, the ones which are included are high quality and clear - and serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate. Really beautiful pies with professional finishes, and something for me to aim for.

The recipe ingredients themselves are (mostly) easily sourced and will be available at well stocked grocery stores. There are a very few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source, but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'.

All in all, -very- well written, beautifully presented pies, made from tasty ingredients which are easily sourced and beautifully enhanced with decorative complex looking fancy crusts. For cooks looking for a pie cookbook, this one is very very well written and presented.

Five stars, we'll be revisiting this recipe book often. A useful antidote to boring deserts. There are -so- many of these which will blow the socks off the "competition" at the next holiday gathering, reunion, or church social.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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The Book of Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell was a very extensive book on pie baking.

There is so much information at the beginning that is beneficial for both beginners and more seasoned bakers. The second half of the book contained recipes that were very traditional, some that had fun twists on old favourites, and then there were some that had really unique, delicious flavours.

While the directions and ingredients were super clear, as a new pie baker, I found most of these pies overwhelming. I found this book was more geared towards intermediate pie bakers and above. I think once I tackle and succeed at a few basic pies, I will move onto this book.

I often find most cookbooks are geared towards people brand new to that particular type of cooking. Whether it is pie baking, bread making, Asian cuisine, etc. I like that there is a book geared to someone more advanced. Often, we can get bored with the same old beginner recipes. So, this book was a welcome change that I look forward to utilizing in the future.

I received an eARC from Rux Martin and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

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**I received and voluntarily read an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I love making a good pie, especially when I have tons of fruit that need to be used before it goes bad. With that being said, I absolutely jumped at the chance to read and review this book.

And I was not disappointed!

There are tons of recipes for different styles and flavors of crusts. It's not often you see a cornmeal crust, so when I saw that, I knew this book was going to be fantastic. The variety of recipes, especially in the fruit section, had me drooling over possibilities.

I absolutely love that there was a section on savory pies. A lot of dessert cookbooks overlook this area, so I was ecstatic to see this. I'm actually writing this review while I currently have onions caramelizing so I can make the "Sausage and Caramelized Onion Pie with Soft Pretzel Crust", and my kitchen smells like a restaurant.

The pictures are colorful and absolutely gorgeous. I do wish there were more pictures, but this book is already quite long, so any more and it would have probably been too much.

Overall, I can definitely see this being my go-to book for any kind of pie baking I have in the future. I also see copies being handed out for presents for any shower/tea/holiday/birthday that I'll be going to.

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Thank you for the advanced reader copy of this book #netgalley

I was growing up with my mom's homemade pies on some weekends bake. Apple pie or her famous Quiche Lorraine. But I never thought that there's so many different pie dough, though the fillings are more or like the same. I would surely explore pies with this book!!

Moreover, the author gave so many tricks and tips all over the book, that reassures me that I'm gonna make a foolproof good pie :)

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My oh pie! My pies just leveled up! From preparation to technique, The Book on Pie details everything you need to know to get that Pinterest or Instagram-worthy dessert. Whether you are a pie noive or a baker looking to enchace you skills, this book can help both and everyone inbetween.

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This is indeed everything you need to know to make a pie! It doesn't matter if you are a newbie or an expert or just looking for something different, this book will give you many ideas and the details to complete them. I've a limited number of pie recipes in my skill set, I have now expanded that number while my family has made it known they are ready to try every recipe in the book.

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This is like the Bible of pie making! The book includes a wide range of recipes with gorgeous mouth watering pictures and invaluable tips!

This book has all the tried and true recipes one would expect along with some fun and delicious new recipe I haven't seen before!

There is something for everyone and I have already ordered a copy for myself.

I received a temporary digital copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

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A gorgeous collection of pie recipes! The Book on Pie isn't simply a collection of tried and true recipes- be prepared to find some fun new ones also! Birthday cake pie, Rose Peach, Blood Orange, and Peanut Butter and Jelly pies are just a few of inventive recipes alongside classics like apple and pumpkin.

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An amazing array of pies from sweet to savory to tarts which means there really is something for everyone. I loved the roll out cookie dough crust! The sausage and caramelized onion pie with soft pretzel crust became vegetarian easily with good flavors and texture. McDowell offers a chart to determine how much dough covers a variety of pan sizes that I suspect I will consult often. From basics to more advanced techniques McDowell walks you through the process.

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What a great book, if you like Pie in any way, shape or form, you will love this book.
I am so looking forward to following some of the recipes in there, and particularly loved the parts about the many many types of pastry, its not all about the filling guys!

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This is a yummy book with painstaking attention to the art of baking a pie. It contains all the information everyone might ever need on preparation, equipment, techniques, and of course recipes when it comes to pie.
I am not a baker myself, and sometimes felt the illustrations regarding techniques and preparation could have been more didactic. However, I blame mostly my lack of baking technique for not making the most out of those pictures.

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You have to sort through a lot of (handy, don't get me wrong) tips and tricks before you get to the mouthwatering elements. But, get there you will, and you'll want to save all of her recipes to try ASAP. Props as well for the plentiful savory recipes - or, as the author calls them, "dinner pies." (Though, who says pumpkin and cream pies can't count as dinner pies, too? I can vouch from experience that they definitely do.)

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This is way more than a simple recipe book! This is everything you didn't know you needed to know about baking pies!

What I loved most was that the fearlessness of the author's approach to baking pie is overwhelming throughout the book, totally convincing you that you can make these gorgeous pies with ease!

The pictures are absolutely amazing; the pies look real and beautifully rustic, not overly perfect.

She covers single- & double-crust pies, hand pies, slab, deep dish, and even free form pies!

There are 22 different types of crusts, not including 16 additional flavor variations!! And she even describes why ingredient temperature can affect your outcome, but in a simple, conversational tone, which, again, makes you say "well I can do that!"

She even has a section dedicated to decor and gives directions for different decorative edge crimps! There are also recipes for glazes and creams to finish your pies!

She includes so many "next-level" tips & ideas for simple tweaks to really make the recipe your own. Each recipe has recommendations for the types of crusts to use and toppings/finishes to try. I mean, she even gives advice on what type of pie is best for fruit based on its level of ripeness!

And the actual recipies run the gamut!
Fruit pies from apple to cinnamon plum.
Custard pies from Pumpkin to Caramel Earl Grey Custard pie in gingersnap crust and its variation Caramel Chai Custard in shortbread crust!! Carrot Cake Custard? Yes, please! Cold-set pies? Triple Chocolate Caramel Truffle! And I am dying to try the savory Beef & Mushroom in a springform pan!

The author started off the book by saying she really wanted to pass on her knowledge to teach people how to bake pie, and she has completely surpassed this goal in the most spectacular way! I am definitely buying this book in physical form!

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A truly beautiful book, this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to make any type of pie. I will be trying out most of the recipes as soon as I have an excuse!

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A really good resource for those who like pie or baking. A lot of tips and ideas. A variety of pies, really nice.

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Wow! So many good ideas and delicious pies! The recipes are simple to follow and reading it definitely made my mouth water. I used to not be huge on por, but now I just want to try them all. Great book for beginners and anyone looking to bake a pie.

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Literally everything you’ve ever needed to know about pie. Fruity pies. Savory pies. Ice cream pies. Pumpkin pies. Pi pies. All pie, all the time. This book is extremely helpful, whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pie-maker. Ever wondered how to tell the difference between dough types? Or how to tell exactly when your pie is done baking? Or what to do if your filling turns out too gooy? There is an answer for everything. I mean, the book spends nearly 80 pages on just different types of crusts alone! Damn this book is helpful. Now I want pie.

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