Episode 021- Fruit pie season is not all unicorns and rainbows. The bounty of fruit that comes from the spring and summer months makes it this the perfect time for putting it to good use in the guise of pies–many, many pies. However, there are challenges that are unique to fruit pies as opposed to other types, say, custard pie for example.
Anxiety associates itself for more than a couple of reasons. First, there are a number of variables when putting fruit into a pie filling. Second, we have to worry about the crust which is the arch-nemesis of so many a pie baker. It’s enough to send some into fits of apoplexy!
Ken Haedrich is a cookbook author and pie expert, having several written books exclusively on the subject of pie. He also claims the title of Dean the Pie Academy, which is his website dedicated to helping people making better pie. He provides a calming hand on the shoulder to bakers who want to get their pies right.
On the the very first episode of the Guys and Food podcast, Ken offered an overview on making great pies. In today’s show, he’ll get into the specifics of making fantastic fruit pies for the months ahead.
Ken has selected these recipes for you to use this coming fruit pie baking season:
To start, you need a good pastry recipe for the crust. Ken says making a good crust is, by far, the biggest concern of people who seek his advice. That is why he created The No-More-Tears Pie Pastry Course. In this video course and the accompanying printed material, Ken walks you through the details of making pie pastry. Instead of merely giving a recipe and saying, “Go get ’em!” he shows you what to do step-by-step. Let’s face it, Ken is a pie sherpa!
In the spirit of full disclosure, Ken gave me free access to the course in order to evaluate it. That said, I heartily recommend The No-More-Tears Pie Pastry Course for anyone who is looking for that extra hand in making pie. Trust me, I wouldn’t recommend this unless I saw great value in it for you. I have no other skin in the game and am not receiving any compensation if you buy this course.
As I mention in the interview, like a building, a pie needs a good foundation. Here is that recipe.
Next, here are three fruit pies that will take you through the next few months:
It’s not too late for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
Midsummer evenings on the porch would be the perfect place for a Blueberry Ginger Pie with a Three Grain Butter Crust.
Late summer is the perfect time for Peach Lemonade Pie with Pecan Crumbl
e Topping.
Try them out, and let me know what you think. As Ken Haedrich so often says, ” Pies make people happy!” and who doesn’t want a little more people happy?
An FYI, Ken’s newest cookbook, The Harvest Baker, is coming out soon. It will be available where all fine cookbooks are sold, including Ken’s online store.
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