cover image APPLE PIE PERFECT: 100 Delicious and Decidedly Different Recipes for America's Favorite Pie

APPLE PIE PERFECT: 100 Delicious and Decidedly Different Recipes for America's Favorite Pie

Ken Haedrich, . . Harvard Common, $29.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-1-55832-225-7

Haedrich (Home for the Holidays) has assembled a lively recipe collection that manages not to lag or become repetitive, thanks to his enthusiasm for his subject and to his clever but never outlandish ideas. Starting off with 10 pie crusts (from All Butter to Whole Wheat and Cheddar Cheese), Haedrich carefully explains his methods for reaching pastry nirvana. The pie-filling combinations that follow are both classic and inventive. They begin by reflecting the seasons (apple with pumpkin butter for fall, with blackberries for summer), and move on through special occasions (Apple and Dried Cranberry with Grand Marnier), and projects that can be done with kids (they should like the Apple, Marshmallow and Chocolate Chip Hand Pies). Along the way, there are pies made with specific apples, such as Granny Smiths or Paula Reds; open-faced, latticed and upside-down pies; apples stirred up with custard, boiled cider or Frangipane; and pies topped with gingerbread, coconut streusel and even cheesecake. Frequent sidebars comment on ingredients, techniques and equipment, and Haedrich's friendly advice accompanies each recipe. (Sept.)