Carole Walter makes it easy for even beginners to create delicious pies and tarts. Simple, step-by-step instructions show how to make both American-style pie pastry and French-style tart pastry. Also included are the four basic recipes on which all other pies and tarts are based. Finall, Walter offers over 150 recipes for both sweet and savory pies, tarts, and sauces, including: · Blueberry Crumb Pie with Warm Blueberry Sauce · Java Eggnog Pie · Flourless Macaroon Tart in Almond Nut Pastry · Apple Tarte Tatin · Wild Mushroom Tart with Savory Streusel This accessible book is a must-have for beginners and an ideal reference for experienced pastry chefs.
For anyone interested in baking terrific pies and tarts, this is the book to own. Such a fuss is made over pie and tart disasters, over the uncanny inability of some to make a perfect pie crust dough and whatnot, and really, to no end. So what? Go work on your perfect golf swing. The thrill is in the trying, again and again, and Walter makes you want to try.
Two minor caveats: The layout for the front end of the book, which includes the vital section called "The Primer," is unfortunate. It's all but impossible to look at for any length of time, let alone to read and study. Page after page of four columns of black type per page is tiresome on the eyes. If Carole Walter baked pies that looked like this layout, she'd be thrown out of the state fair.
The other minor note is the extensive use of the food processor. Either have one first, or buy one with this book.
Beyond that, the challenge is clear. If Fruity Viennese Linzer Tart sounds good to you, this is the place to learn absolutely everything you need to know to make it. Or how about the classic Key Lime Pie? Or a White Chocolate Caffe Tart?
If you get into this book and embrace the idea that practice makes perfect, or thereabouts, you are in for some exciting baking. The pastry doughs and crunchy shells are worth the price of admission, because once mastered, your only limitations for mixing up shells and ingredients are your own imagination.
Carole Walter may have written the greatest liberation text of the year. You shall overcome any residual fear you might have of trying your hand at pie and tart baking if you follow this book from page one to the sweet, sweet end. -- Schuyler Ingle
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent Cooks Need this Book...:
I have this book and have bought it for my daughters... this is the best pie tart book I have ever used. Cooks who love pies/tarts will appreciate this book and Ms. Walters newer version, I also have. This is a great gift for a bride or new cook. First place I go for a special dessert. I use to think I made the world's best pumpkin pie, until I tried the one in this book, with the pecan crust. It is out of this world, rich, elegant and simple.
Brilliant pie cookbook:
I *could not* make a pie or tart before this book. The layout is brilliant, helping you get a firm grasp on the basics then allowing you to branch from there. The recipes work and people now ooh and ahh at my pies and tarts. Seriously. She really makes it easy and lets you in on the little tips and tricks that bring you from average to outstanding pastry. Also, there are always excellent alternatives to using a food processor. I never use one and I very much disagree with that portion of the amazon review.... more info
Kudos to Carole Walter: A Wonderful Chef, Teacher, Author:
"Great Pies & Tarts" proves its worth, as your taste will attest, when you sample the results from the instructions and recipies presented. Please note, Arthur Schwartz, a wonderful culinary professional, is not a co-author as advertised. Examining the book will confirm this.
Good recipes, poor organization:
Although there are some good recipes in this book (blueberry tart with walnut topping is one) I spent a lot of time flipping pages, trying to find information. I feel like the book could have been organized more effectively, which is unfortunate considering how much useful information it contains. Overall a good addition to the recipe library, but I often find myself using other references to supplement this book. Also, in a few cases I question the techniques or ingredients, for instance the use of baking... more info
