Maida Heatter's Pies and Tarts

I am a disastrous cook. But I'm becoming quite the accomplished 'dessert chef' (at least home baker!) thanks to Maida Heatter. I have her book on Cakes as well as this one on Pies and they are both invaluable resources. All the techniques you need to memorize are in the front of each book, thoroughly and descriptively written so that the most lowly of beginners can understand. Things you might take for granted as common-sense or common-knowledge but are really essential for a good result are spelled out clearly. It might take some time to read all this (slowly... carefully...), but it is time well-spent. Maida has a wonderfully cheery and over-descriptive style that suits my tastes and inspires me to not only cook but also eat that which is written! The only drawback is the lack of photos. For some, this might be a big problem. For those with good imaginations, the rest of this essential baker's manual makes up for it in practical content and delicious fail-proof recipes.

While this book is excellent and the recipes, though long, are usually easy to follow, they can still be difficult and I would recommend that a beginner start with an easier, more basic book. More advanced bakers, however, should love this book. While it concentrates on pies and tarts of all kinds, Ms. Heatter also details cobblers and crumbles, custards and glaces and much, much more. She also gives us practical advice, such as the correct way to wash fruit, etc. Real pie baking is an art, so be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into these recipes. It will be time and effort very well spent. I, myself would have preferred illustrations of some of these delicious concoctions.

Easy to follow instructions. Every recipe I tried was a success. The lack of pictures is a minus. I strongly recommend it