Cookbook Review: The Book on Pie

Cookbook Review: The Book on Pie

The Book on Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell is a cookbook that any pie baking connoisseur will want to have on their shelves. It is the ultimate pie reference book with many gorgeous photos and interesting new twists. Even the most seasoned pie baker will find something useful in this one.

Cookbook Review: The Book on PieTitle: The Book on Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies
Author: Erin Jeanne McDowell
Publisher: Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genres: Cookbook, Lifestyle
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Look no further than The Book on Pie for the only book on pie you'll ever want or need.

Erin Jeanne McDowell, New York Times contributing baker extraordinaire and top food stylist, wrote the book on pie, a comprehensive handbook that distills all you'll ever need to know for making perfect pies. The Book on Pie starts with the basics, including ways to mix pie dough for extra flaky crusts, storage and freezing, recipe size conversions, and expert tips for decorating and styling, before diving into the recipes for all the different kinds of pies: fruit, custard, cream, chiffon, cold set, savory, and mini. Find everything from classics like Apple Pie and Pumpkin Pie, to more inspired recipes like Birthday-Cake Pie and Caramel Pork Pie with Chile and Scallions.

Erin also suggests recommended pie doughs and toppings with each recipe for infinitely customizable pies: Mix and match Pumpkin Spice Pie Dough and Dark Chocolate Drippy Glaze with the Pumpkin Pie, or sub in the Chive Compound-Butter Crust for the Croque Madame Pielets . . . the possibilities are endless. With helpful tips, photographic guides, and inspirations—pie-deas—it's almost like having Erin in the kitchen baking pies with you.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Review: The book on Pie

While this recipe book is geared towards all skill levels,  it is definitely one for those who have some pie baking experience. The instructions are easy to follow, but most of the recipes are a bit more advanced than your typical beginner cookbook. What is most notable about this collection is the multitude of crust and filling options that can be combined.

❀ The contents are AS follows:

  • Doughs & Crusts
  • Decor & Toppings
  • Fruit Pies
  • Custard Pies
  • Cream, Chiffon & Cold Set Pies
  • Savory Pies

❀ A Fantastic Reference Book

There are lots of traditional ideas in the book, however there are many interesting updates. For those looking for pie recipes that are gluten-free or vegan, there are many tips on how to create these options. Along with the beautiful images, this is one fantastic reference book for anyone who loves to bake pies

About Erin Jeanne McDowell

Erin Jeanne McDowell

ERIN JEANNE MCDOWELL is an author, recipe developer, and award-winning food stylist with specialized focus in baking. Her first book, The Fearless Baker, was named one of the Best Baking Books of 2017 by The New York Times. She's a regular contributor to New York Times Cooking, Food52 (where she also serves as Baking Consultant at Large), and PureWow. She hosts weekly baking classes on Food Network Kitchen and the series "Bake It Up a Notch" for Food52. Erin has been featured in The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, Food Network Magazine, and Rachel Ray Magazine. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Fine Cooking Magazine, Bake From Scratch Magazine, and Sift Magazine. She lives and works in North Bergen, New Jersey.

Lori

About Lori

Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.

25 thoughts on “Cookbook Review: The Book on Pie

  1. Rosie says:

    I love this, and want to check it out! I love making pies, and it can be inspiring to find new ideas in a cookbook! It would make a nice gift, too, along with a nice pie plate, etc.!

  2. anovelglimpse says:

    How timely! I bet a lot of us are going to be making pies in the upcoming week and could really use this book. I like what Rosie said above about gifting it with a pie plate, too. That would be cool!

  3. Cindy Merrill says:

    I am most interested in the Savory Pie recipes; I spend too much on store bought pot pies and I’d like to make some at home instead.

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