Magpie: Sweets and Savories from Philadelphia's Favorite Pie Boutique

by Holly Ricciardi

Magpie celebrates Philadelphia’s own “pie boutique” by the same name: move over, cheesesteak! The book covers their beloved sweet and savory pies, hand pies, pot pies, and pie shakes, all of them fine-tuned to exacting standards for the home baker with lots of step-by-step instruction for that all-important crust. Recipes include sweets like Cranberry Curd Mini Meringue Pies, Blueberry Rhuby Rose Pie, Trail Mix Oatmeal Pie, and Nutella Florentine Pie, and savories like Summer Squash Pie, Ham Leek Dijon Potpies, and Shepherd’s Potpies with Cauliflower Mash. If you’d like to turn your slice into a shake, the Cafe Mocha Pie is a great choice. With more than 90 great recipes and beautiful full-color photography throughout, this delectable cookbook is a pie-lover’s dream.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Reference

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2015

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hate it when people review a cookbook without actually cooking anything from it first. Yes, it's a pretty book - but does it WORK?

Short answer on this one -not as such.

I just got done trying to make the Butternut Squash and Smoked Gouda pie for dinner only to find out, too late, that the measurements appear to be off. The filling could easily fill two pies - but I only have one crust ready to go per the recipe. A huge deal? No, but annoying - and certainly casts a shadow of doubt on the editing of the rest of the book. I should have been suspicious when I noticed that the accompanying photo of the construction of the pie does not follow the actual instructions given.

The pie crust instructions are very good although the comment about not being able to eat beans after they've been used is pure opinion presented as fact, which bothers me.

Long story short - it's a lovely book. In all fairness this is the first recipe I've tried so I may have just happened on the one issue in the book, but be careful if you actually cook from it.

In the meantime I will forgo stars until I decide if I'm going to risk another recipe....

Update 2021 - JK's comment made me realize I never came back to say the above issue was the only one I had. I can't remember now which ones I made (Blueberry? Curd? Quiche?) I didn't buy the book at that time but now it's on sale and I will!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - purchased my own copy after looking at it at someone else’s house.
I think the book is fairly straight forward. This is NOT a ‘learn how to bake pies’ so much as it is ‘I love pies. I love making pies. I want to make more complex pies’ sort of book. It has a brief introduction of pie baking supplies needed or recommended, explanation of ingredients and how to make the crust. Made her pie crust recipe, it’s pretty good. Tip for the savory pie recipes - don’t add as much sugar as she recommended. Too sweet.

[Krystle L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The push-in crust that bakes up like a shortbread cookie is ingenious and a game changer. So often I refuse to make a lie simply because I don't like atore bought crusts (no butter) and really don't feel like rolling one out (I'm lazy and work night shift). Multiple recipes followed as written with great success. Highly recommend!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that I have learned my lesson getting books that are from bakeries and what nots. There were hardly any pictures in this book and the recipes were crazy!!! By that I mean that there were a ton of ingredients, the steps were complex and the skill level to get most of this stuff done was professional. Many of the recipes sounded really good, however, the more I got through the book the less enthusiastic I became. People!!! You gotta dumb it down for the normal people sometimes.

[Elizabeth Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exquisite!!

[Amanda Bright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Som great pirecipes to try.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The secret (shhhh) is in the crust! Some surprisingly different pies to try!

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing missing is a photo for each recipe, a must for me.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely pies but nothing that called to me.

[adiantum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sour cherry & almond pie is such a hit. We've made it three times and devoured it instantly with friends. One of my favorite thrift store cookbook finds :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks super yummy! I can't wait to dig into the recipes both savory and sweet.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the creativity of some of these pies. They all sounded yummy, the recipes looked easy enough, but since only about half of the recipes have pictures, you really have to stop and READ these things. And since so many of them are unique and unusual (but still sound good), you have a difficult time finding a copy on the Internet that you can Pin or print out. Hence, if I really want to make many of these pies, guess I'll just have to buy the book.

One day.... When I'm not so cheap....

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful new pies! I like the variety of pie types, especially since there are so many more modern styles. The "Make You Own Quiche" part was a nice guide to using ingredients I have to put together a tasty quiche, rather than shopping for more food.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing beats a good pie, and this book shows it. The tone is 'this is easy, I'll show you' and the recipes are killer. Love that they have a range from apple to quiche.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Recipes are not all that amazing.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to bake some of these amazing pies. First up? Whiskey Walnut Pie for my dad for Christmas.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library Request, let's just say I.m placing an order for this book, it's a need to have with such easy and great receipts to have at the ready. Loved it.

[Ambur Taft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious pictures, loads of sweet and savory pies, great instruction.
A must have for pie lovers and bakers.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Photos on every step of making the pie dough, from combining the ingredients to rolling out and placing the dough into the pan. Very helpful. The pies, on the other hand, sound more homey than new and interesting takes on flavours.