The Books that Help You Bake Better Pies

Pie is arguably one of the best culinary concoctions out there. Surrounded in a shortcrust that dances with torched sugar, it’s a tender affair that suffers a gentle collapse under the pressure of a fork, giving way to a pool of joy promised just below.

Not only is it completely delicious, but it is at once fancy enough to serve for holidays and simple enough to grace our picnic blankets or eat barefoot at the fridge door. It is a dessert that can embrace the depth of its baking dish, be made without a pan at all, and even fit in the palm of your hand. Something about pie just exudes a feeling of happiness.

Alygator is a community member that knows the value of good pie, and recently decided to give a pie plate as a shower gift. As if that weren’t already a great present, they also wanted to give a pie-themed cookbook along with it, and wisely turned to the Hotline for help. Here's what you had to say about the best pie cookbooks out there:

Although never having used the book, HalfPint recommends The Pie and Pastry Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum, based on Rose's expert ability to not only offer great recipes but also explain baking techniques and science. C Sangueza agrees, and is careful to point out that while the recipes do work well, they are often complex.

ChefJune praises Southern Pies by Nancie McDermott, for what she calls "wonderfully homey" recipes that are easy to follow.

While lleello recommends a classic—Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book—for all things dessert (pie included of course).

And luvcookbooks says that Martha Stewart’s Pies and Tarts never disappoints.

For a book that is full of great recipes as well as wonderful art, sweetlolo reaches for Artful Pie by Renée Comet and Lisa Cherkassky.

And as the book that provided her first pie success, Perfect Pies by Michele Stuart is Shannon Slice's first choice.

Other great pie presents (besides actual pie), just in time for impending Pi Day:

You know we're always looking for a great read, so what are your favorite pie books? Let us know in the comments!