What is on this site
This site is a collection of recipes for pies, traditional and modern dishes, and the techniques behind them. Every recipe is tested for clarity, taste, and reliability—no shortcuts, no guesswork.
The focus is on what works in a home kitchen, whether you’re making a classic apple pie or experimenting with a new flavor.
The site is organized into clear categories: pies by type (fruit, custard, savory), techniques (blind baking, lattice crusts, fillings), and themed collections (seasonal, holiday, global influences). Each recipe is written step-by-step, with notes on what to watch for and how to adapt it.
| Where | What is there | Go here if |
|---|---|---|
| The Homepage | Latest recipes, featured guides, and seasonal highlights | You’re looking for inspiration or a quick start |
| Recipes | Searchable database of pies, techniques, and ingredient guides | You need a specific recipe or want to browse by type |
| Techniques | Step-by-step guides for crusts, fillings, and baking methods | You’re troubleshooting a problem or learning a new skill |
| About | How the site works, who runs it, and what to expect | You’re new here or curious about the process |
How to read a page here
Every recipe page starts with a clear title, the total time needed, and the number of servings. The ingredients list is grouped by category (dry, wet, spices) and measured in standard units—no conversions unless noted.
Steps are numbered, with bolded notes for critical tips (like chilling dough or preheating the oven).
The first section explains the dish’s origin or inspiration, followed by a short list of what makes it special. Skip this on a first read if you’re in a hurry. The main body is the step-by-step guide, with photos or diagrams where they help.
Look for the ‘Watch Out For’ box at the end—it covers common mistakes and fixes.
Need to adjust a recipe? The ‘Variations’ section suggests swaps for dietary needs or ingredient shortages. If a step feels unclear, check the ‘Techniques’ section for related guides. Units are always in grams or cups, never both—pick one and stick with it.
When it does not work
If a recipe fails, start by checking the basics: oven temperature (use an oven thermometer), ingredient freshness (especially butter and baking powder), and measurements (level spoons, don’t scoop). Some pies need time to rest—rushing the process is the fastest way to ruin a crust.
Before you give up
- Did you measure ingredients correctly? (Spooning flour packs it down—use a scale if possible.)
- Is your oven calibrated? (Preheat for 20 minutes before baking.)
- Did you follow the ‘Watch Out For’ notes? (Underbaking is a common pitfall.)
- Is the recipe adapted for your kitchen? (High-altitude? Humid climate? Check the variations.)
Who we are
| The colophon | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Bernice Novak, founder and editor, who builds this site around the recipes her mother taught her—now tested in her own kitchen. |
| Tested in | A 1970s kitchen with a single oven, mismatched pans, and a counter too small for rolling dough. |
| Written with | A notebook for scribbled adjustments, a kitchen scale, and a timer that beeps loudly. |
| Learned from | Her mother’s patience for perfection and her grandmother’s shortcuts for speed. |
| Still getting wrong | Predicting how a pie will behave in someone else’s oven—every kitchen is different. |
This site exists because baking should feel like a conversation, not a chore. The recipes here are the ones Bernice wishes she’d had when she first started—clear, kind, and full of the little tricks that turn a good pie into a great one.
If you need something that is not here
If you’re looking for a recipe that isn’t listed, a technique that isn’t covered, or a variation that isn’t suggested, the contact page is the place to ask. Before you do, check the search function—some recipes are buried under slightly different names.
And if you’ve tried everything and still can’t make it work, describe the problem in detail. The goal is to make this site useful for everyone, so your input helps.
The recipes are grouped by category: Appetizers, Beverages, Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts, Main Courses and Reviews.