This book is for a more advanced baker, I think. It starts off with recipes to prejuice your fruits, or something like that, and then I was lost. I know people who bake pies a lot, and this book would be right up their alley. For me, I was more intrigued with the savory recipes. Those seemed more at my skill level. This book has a lot of recipes, probably enough to feed a family for an entire year. Erin Jeanne McDowell's expertise shines throughout the book.

While I can't wax on poetical about the "meat" of this book, I haven't actually made any of these recipes, I can contribute to the discussion of presentation.
This book is pretty.
My favorite part of cookbooks (and I think I'm not alone here) is the pictures. These are high quality and throughout the book. Not just once per chapter, but full on glorious pictures throughout.
Another part of this book that I loved was the fact that there were so many options. You weren't stuck with using a standard 9" pan. If you had an 11.5" or multiple 3" pans, there were conversion tables for times and temperatures. That is FANTASTIC. And it wasn't just options of pans- there are options for everything.
Speaking of options- You have them. The author points out "You don't like using vodka or vinegar in your crust. Don't!" and explains why you would or would not use them. Those tidbits of "why things work" is an awesome inclusion for those who are less scientific and just accept that baking is magic and things just work. Like math.
Each Pie has a recommended (variety) of crust and finishes. Which list the page number they are on. Brilliant.

In short, I wish that all baking books took a page out of the Book on Pie and filled theirs with the kinds of photos, organization and options presented here.

This was a very well written cookbook. I found the layout to flow well and the recipes were easy to understand and follow along to. I look forward to trying some of them out for my family.

If you are new to pie-making, The Book on Pie has everything you need to be a successful pie maker. The step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs on how to make a perfect pie crust are detailed and will help ensure your success. McDowell explains - and demonstrates through photos - the process thoroughly.

There is a wonderful balance of traditional and innovative recipes in the book which are beautifully photographed. I made one of the pecan pie recipes and it was delicious. I am especially looking forward to trying some of her savory pie recipes. I love how McDowell has mix-and-match type recipes and provides advice on which crust to pair with which filling. I also liked her tips on how to prepare pies in advance and freeze them to ensure they taste perfect when served.

Five stars for Erin Jeanne McDowell's "The Book on Pie." If you are neophyte baker, this book has everything you need to get started and be a successful pie baker.

This book truly is THE definitive handbook to making what looks to be delicious and beautiful pies. It is a pie baker’s dream! There are detailed directions, weights/measurements, mix-and-match suggestions for crusts and flavors, and stunning photos that make you want to drop everything and go bake (and eat) a pie. I will be gifting this to all of my friends and family who love to bake and look forward to creating my own combinations as I bake my way through this book. I can’t say enough good things about this gorgeous cookbook.

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this ARC in exchange for my opinion.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The title of this book is so perfect! It is a huge cookbook not just with recipies for pies but all the different types of pie crusts (and believe me there are a lot!), the best fats to use, how to achieve different types of crusts, the pros and cons of using equipment (such as a mixer) instead of making by hand and recipes even include gluten free!

This book is a fantastic addition to any cookbook collection and with so many different recipes, you'll never run out of ideas for pies for meals, desert and many more types of meals and dishes!

Oh, I love eating pies and hopefully one day I can master how to bake them! The book has gorgeous photography and such yummy recipes.

This book was insane.....and absolutely gorgeous! If you have one chance to own a book about pie grab this one....I’m just overwhelmed by the style, the pictures, and the variety. Fruit...custard.... meat and assortment of crusts, how to weave the crust.

What did I like? I have to say this book does not lack for pictures which are a big weakness of mine. Just a huge book...Over 300 pages of pies I would love to be able to bake. The author talks about pie crust, varieties, and how to get the perfect crust. So many pictures of beautiful crusts. She even adds gluten free tidbits. Obviously most of the pies are probably calorie laden but one slice never hurt anyone. Just a gorgeous book! I put it on my wish list but it doesn’t come out until right before the holidays.

Would I buy or recommend? I want it....this is a gorgeous book! If you have ever wanted to make a pie this is for you. Over 300 pages for 25$ on Amazon. This would make a perfect holiday gift, and I’m already dropping hints to my family. This year I want cookbooks!

Thoughts for the author? Beautiful book! I was absolutely gobsmacked opening this book and going through it. The meat pies alone make this a seriously needed book. You have outdone yourself, and the price is amazing too.

I received a copy from the publisher to enjoy and offer my opinion....amazing book.

I’ve been baking for around 50 years and was very impressed by all the ideas for making pies - sweet and savory. I am truly inspired by all the different types of crusts, let alone all the varieties of things you can put inside those crusts! I love all the suggestions on how pies may be decorated as well as how each one can be improvised to my tastes and whatever is available. Certainly many ways to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills, even though they are “easy as pie”. This is one book that I’ll have on my Christmas wish list.

If you are looking for a be-all-end-all pie guide, "The Book on Pie" by Erin Jeanne McDowell is it. Punctuated with stunning photos, this book covers everything pie-related, from pie doughs, fillings, and garnishes to pie tools, pie storage, and more.

As a novice pie baker, I will definitely be purchasing the hardcover version of this book. Before reaching the mix-and-match recipes, readers begin with an overview of “Pie Why’s” explaining how to double recipes, freeze pies, and reheat them in a way that ensures the best flavor. I appreciated that McDowell covered various pie-specific tools to explain their function yet assured readers that stunning pies could be made without them. Following this are basic crust techniques with descriptions detailed enough for readers to understand how to create each type of crust as well as explanation for when to use each one.

The rest of the book is divided into two major sections: pie crusts and pie fillings. Each crust recipe provided includes an author’s note on the pros/cons of the crust, a difficulty rating, make-ahead instructions, and storage instructions. The pie fillings section follows a similar structure. In addition to the easy to follow instructions, McDowell also anticipates pitfalls and problems the average baker might encounter and presents steps to take in order to avoid them.

What I love most about this book is the encouragement to mix and match recipes to create a pie with my own flair. Each crust recipe includes assorted variations for bakers to add their own twist, and each pie filling recipe includes suggested crusts for optimal flavor pairing. These “training wheels” for baking newcomers provide inspiration, spur creativity, and bolster confidence. I cannot wait to try my hand at crafting a pie, savory or sweet, from the guidance provided here. This truly is THE book on pie!

***ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my review.

I am a big fan of Erin Jeanne McDowell. I love her recipes in the New York Times, and have watched some of her videos as well. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sneak a peak of her upcoming book, The Book on Pie. McDowell has written an amazingly thorough book on pie, and I cannot wait to buy the hardcover when it comes out. I have many pie books, but the presentation and detail here are accessible and very usable. This book takes the time to explain different crusts and how to achieve the flavor and texture that you like. She walks through fillings and decorations, enabling the baker to piece together their own pie. The photos by Mark Weinberg are stunning. This is a great book!

si vous aimez les tartes foncez.. avec ce livre vous comprendrez les subtilités et découvrirez des secrets pour améliorer vos recettes.
De quoi régaler votre famille et votre entourage.

Des photos magnifiques.

Un livre à avoir dans sa bibliothèque.

Explains all the whys and hows of pie crust. What flours and fats to use and how they vary the texture and taste of the crust. Helpful tips for having a successful pie base. It has troubleshooting tips for what to do, pros and cons to food processor versus hand mixing, and pictures of how to roll out.

This book also provides vegan and gluten free options. I cannot believe all the pie crust options in this book. The title is perfect. This book taught me I know NOTHING about pie. NOTHING. So many ideas and options. Not just fruit pies and sweet pies but savory options too for pot pie crust, etc. Ideas for what to do with the scraps. How to season it different ways. I was just amazed with it. I loved seeing all the pictures of different ways to crimp the crust and decorate. Soooo many tips. This would be a great addition to any pie lover or baker's cookbook collection.

The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies by Erin McDowell and Mark Weinberg is the perfect gift for an avid baker. In fact when their book is published in early December I plan to immediately buy a hardbound copy of their book as I love it that much.

In their cookbook you'll find both sweet and savory recipes along with numerous pie crust variations.

Throughout their cookbook you will find numerous color photos showing the recipes.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

This book is full of easy to make pies. Fruit pies, cream pies, custard pies and savory pies like pot pies and quiches. So many tips and recipes on making the perfect crusts and toppings. But best of all is detailed pictures. This is the only pie book I will ever need.

This book was received as an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ever Pie that exists and some new creative savory pies compile this cookbook. The photos of these pies looked so delicious that I wish I could just grab them right from the photo. I am excited to try the various pies in this book especially the chiffon pies and some of the savory pies would be perfect for our cooking demo program. I know our patrons would want to get their hands on this book and it will definitely be a favorite for sure.

We will consider adding this title to our TX Collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

A nice very in depth guide to pies. I am more of a cakebaker but I love eating pies and this very comprehensive book guides you through it perfectly.

GLORIOUS! I just spent the last hour poring over this book, reading all the delightful instructions and tips and drooling over the recipes. I can't wait to buy this book and add it to my cookbook library, and I already have a recipe or two I want to try in the meantime.
I love making pie, but mine are pretty basic (although delicious, if I do say so). Reading this cookbook gives me confidence to level up, perhaps by adding spices to my dough or trying new styles of pie dough (rough puff pastry, hot water crust). And the flavorful filling ideas, sooo tempting. It's definitely a cookbook for cooks, not beginners, but the writing style is approachable and straightforward and a beginner could learn a lot from it too. If pie crust has ever baffled you, she breaks it down for you and gives plenty of options.
Love it. Will buy it. Will buy it for you, possibly. Will highly recommend to baker friends!

<i>Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review<i>

This is probably the most accessible and comprehensive book on pies I've seen yet. The description and illustrations demonstrating how to make the various crusts is easily the mostly clearly written I've come across, and I wish I'd had it 20 years ago when I first tried to make a pie (and promptly quit). I had to master it on my own, but still picked up solid tips on what to do and why. In addition, the recipes are both practical, beautiful, and tasty as hell.

This cookbook on pies is beautifully done. The beginning is a description of the tools needed to make the pies and crusts. I love the pictures that show what each recipe should look like. She does a wonderful job describing each crust, what it's known for, and the characteristics that it contains. You will know which pie crust recipe to use for what type of pies and why when you read this book. This cookbook is a Must have for everyone's kitchen.