To me, pie is the definitive American dessert. Just mention pie and it conjures up images of warm, fragrant kitchens with Mom in an apron standing at the stove. Pascale Le Draoulec took this idea along on a quest for the best pies in America.

Although this book is more of a travel journal in cased around the pie quest, there are plenty of recipes and tips included. Not overworking the dough was the tip mentioned the most. Having cold ingredients and utensils was also mentioned more that once. One man used vinegar in his crust, while another person preferred milk. My favorite tip was: the "secret" in pie baking is more in your attitude than in your technique. It's true; most people are afraid to make pie. Once the fear is gone then pie making is no problem.

Some of the fruited pie recipes included were Huckleberry, Peach, Raisin, Olallieberries, Belgium Prune, Rhubarb and Bumbleberries*. Coconut, Banana and Rhubarb were a few of the cream pie recipes. Other pies included were: Lemon Pecan, Butterscotch, Jefferson Davis, Hubbard-Squash and Shoofly. One pie I know everyone has had at least once is "Dumpster Pie".

Once you read the book, you'll be like me and envy Pascale and her "motoring"** journey to find pie in America. I know my life is just a little richer, and not just from the recipes, when I got to share in Pascale's adventure. Read the book, and you'll see what I mean.

* Bumbleberry Pie is made with a couple of different types of berries.

** "Motoring" means you can pull over anytime a place looks interesting. Whereas a "driving" trip means only making the necessary stops.

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