Cookbook of the Month – November 2017

This time of year Fall Baking is probably top of mind withe holidays around the corner. If you love baking pies as much as I do then I have a spectacular cookbook for you. In 2013, my Cookbook of the Month – November 2017 was published. The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book is extraordinary cookbook with pie recipes straight from the renowned bakery of the same name located in Brooklyn, New York. The owners are two sisters, Emily and Melissa Elsen grew up in South Dakota and learned to bake pies from their Grandmother Liz. Liz baked pies for their mother’s popular local restaurant in South Dakota. The sisters baked pies from their apartment before opening Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Shop in 2010. I personally think The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book is a must for any avid baker and pie lover.

Cookbook of the Month – November 2017

So why do I recommend this book you ask? The reasons are many starting with the sisters love the use of local and seasonal ingredients. Seasonal ingredients give you the option of experimenting and creating new flavor combinations. For example, using figs when available. The season of availability is only a few short months. How about Gooseberries which can be difficult to find anytime but worth the search where you live. Fresh currants only appear in early summer and then no more. White nectarines are another summertime fruit not available for long and that’s what my Cookbook of the Month – November 2017 is all about.

Cookbook of the Month – November 2017

The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book contains flavor combinations I’m sure you’ve never thought about. Some of the combinations never entered my mind and I’m telling you so worth a try the next time you get a pie baking craving. Hey, the holidays are upon us and what a perfect time to place one of these delicious pies on your dessert menu. One of my favorites is the Bourbon Pear Crumble Pie on page 152. It will knock your sock off. Pears cook like apples if that helps you get a flavor profile in your head. the addition of a little bourbon is beautiful. The Black Walnut Pie on page 167 is another must try along with the Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie on page 168. I’ve made this pie every year since purchasing this delectable cookbook.

Cookbook of the Month – November 2017

Just when you thought this cookbook is only about flavor combinations, think again. My Cookbook of the Month – November 2017 recommendation also contains detailed and informative techniques to help making pie baking really easy. Note that baking pies is not a quick process such as making pie crust. Pie crust can be tricky so take your time to get them right as you’ll enjoy the outcome much better making you a happy baker.

This cookbook is separated by the seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Emily and Melissa even explain how to use this pie book. I suggest reading this section first if you are new to pie baking. So many helpful tips for even an avid baker like myself. They provide a section containing product sourcing which can be extremely helpful depending on where you live. If you would like to know what tools should be used in pie baking, the girls provide this information as well.

Cookbook of the Month – November 2017

Bravo! Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book is a lavish, delectable cookbook which I highly recommend. Whether a beginner or experienced baker run out or browse online and purchase this book. You will not be disappointed and your taste buds will sing. I bet you’ll even come up with new flavor combinations of your own. Love, Love, Love this book and I know you will too. Checkout their website, too. Beautiful pictures, beautifully written, and mouth-wateringly addictive. Happy Baking!!!