The Pie Book

Without a doubt this book contains more different kinds of pie recipes than you've ever imagined—over 400 recipes ranging from simple apple and cherry pies to hearty mince meats, unusual custards and some of the most elegant chiffons possible. Each has been carefully selected and prepared by Louis P. De Gouy, master chef and author of numerous other outstanding cookbooks. Beginning with the very basics of pie baking, the author introduces you to the different kinds of fats and flours and their use; he gives advice on weighing, measuring, baking procedures, fruit preparation and much else preliminary to good pie baking. As one of the real secrets of pie baking is crust, he gives detailed instructions on how to turn out a flaky, golden-brown pastry every time. Over 25 crust recipes are included—short flaky, long flaky, French puff paste, graham cracker, rice, nut and gingerbread pie pastries just to name a few. After this you will find recipes for some of the most tantalizing and unusual pies imaginable: banana cream, cherry rhubarb, chocolate custard, cranberry, pecan, grape, pumpkin (8 versions), raisin butter, sweet potato, brandy chiffon, blueberry chiffon, strawberry, tutti fruitti and literally hundreds more. A special section at the end covers the use of toppings and glazes, with complete recipes for meringues, glazed cherry topping, almond paste, jelly whipped cream, glazed orange topping, cheese topping and many more. Over 25 varieties of apple pie alone can be found in this book! First published in 1949.