Betty Crocker: The Big Book of Pies and Tarts

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publication Date: July 2013

Buy on Amazon

Featured Recipe: Spiced Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

If you love pies, you’ll love Betty Crocker: The Big Book of Pies & Tarts. This cookbook is overflowing with pies of every type, including fruit pies, creamy and chilled pies, mini pies and tarts, and savory pies. You’ll find plenty of inventive new ideas and flavor combinations, like Apple-Pomegranate Slab Pie, Bourbon-Chocolate-Pecan Mini Pies, and savory Muffin Tin Taco Pies. For a hearty dinner, you’ll love Mini Bacon Chicken Pot Pies or Potato-Onion-Bacon Slab Pie. Satisfy a sweet tooth with Caramel Cream Pie or Chocolate-Chip Cookie-Stuffed Pie. Whatever your fancy, you’ll find the pie here. The Big Book of Pies & Tarts includes an introductory section on pie-baking basics with advice on creating perfect pastry crusts, freezing and storing pies, and decorating crusts.

Cooks&Books&Recipes Featured Cook Carrie, on Betty Crocker: The Big Book of Pies and Tarts: 

When you see a cookbook by Betty Crocker, you know it will contain tried-and-true recipes that are sure to please. The Big Book of Pies & Tarts is no exception. Full of both sweet and savory options, this cookbook truly has something for everyone—including the pie-phobic, like myself. Yes, I’ll admit it: I am afraid of making pie.

It makes no sense, but pie crust scares the heck out of me. Luckily, Betty Crocker has me covered–and you too, if that is the only thing keeping you from getting your pie on. You have been granted permission to take advantage of modern technology and use Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust in most recipes. Hallelujah! My prayers have been answered! And as I gain confidence, I can move on to the four pie crust recipes in the book, including a pat-in-pan version that makes for a great transition. No excuses!

The pies themselves are many and varied. Traditional apple pie starts you off, then the recipes morph into more modern variations. We work our way through a bevy of fruity selections before moving on to chilled and frozen treats, like Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail Pie and “Jamocha” Ice Cream Pie. The mini pies and tarts are simply adorable, adding flair to any party (I especially liked the idea of serving mini pies at a wedding). And the holiday pies will add sparkle to any Christmas or Thanksgiving table. Better bake a few—your guests will want seconds and thirds!

Don’t have much of a sweet tooth? A hefty portion of The Big Book of Pies & Tarts is devoted to all things savory. My favorite in this section was the Cheesy Bacon-Tomato Pie. I can’t wait til summer when I can sub in heirloom tomatoes for a truly divine dinner.

The Big Book of Pies & Tarts would make an excellent gift for the budding baker and experienced chef alike. And don’t forget to pick up an extra copy for yourself! This will earn a place on the top shelf of your cookbook rack, ensuring many years of pleasure ahead.

The Cookbook Basics:

Paperback (8.9 x 8 inches)

336 pages; 100+ color photos

200+ recipes

About the author: With more than 63 million cookbooks sold since 1950, Betty Crocker is the name readers trust for reliable recipes and great ideas. For over 75 years, Betty Crocker has provided advice to millions of Americans through cookbooks, magazines and television.

Betty Crocker Big Book of Pies and Tarts