The Perfect Pie Plate
I've been gearing up for a pie-making class with pie evangelist Kate McDermott. I had read about her pies in Saveur Magazine more than a year ago, but never dreamed she would be offering hands-on classes just a stone's throw away from my home in Seattle.
I needed a pie plate, and fast. Kate recommended the Emile Henry's 9" pie dish because of its classic style (note the fluted rim) and for how well it distributes heat.
The Emile Henry company has been producing beautiful stoneware from the natural clay found in its hometown of Marcigny, France since 1850. Its cookware can go straight from the freezer into a hot oven and is also microwave and dishwasher safe. My favorite reason to love it? I hear it's super easy to clean.
But I'm only a novice. What's your favorite pie plate? I need to know!
--Tracy Schneider
Ry Sal on September 13, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I married into a very traditional and very large Italian family from Western Massachusetts--Having been born & raised near NYC, I was a non-baking foodie and didn't own a single pie plate. For my wedding shower I think I received about 12 pie plates... Needless to say, it was my initiation into the baking club. This Emile Henry dish is by far my favorite of the bunch!
MarinaSanDiego on September 13, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Go to the Williams Sonoma website to view a video about how Emile Henry makes its bakeware, and you'll understand why its quality is so good. I, too, am going to treat myself to one of their pie plates even though they are around $44.
bluetooth freisprecheinrichtung on September 14, 2009 at 05:58 AM
Hi,
I tried a few times making the crust I was awful, so end up buying store made shells which are not good as homemade ones. I will test it soon. So, can you suggest me some good methods....
magic pie baker on September 14, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I love my Longaberger "Woven Traditions Grandma Bonnie's Pie Plate"
(http://ic.longaberger.com/ecommerce/control/product?PURCHASE_STATE=STANDARD&product_id=34479POT)
I bought it years ago in a misguided attempt to curry favor from the girl that was selling the Longaberger stuff, but I don't regret it for a second. I've since bought a second one, too.
They're nice and heavy, and seem to do a great job of evening out the heat. My crusts always come out well, and I get a lot of compliments on my pies.
sharm el sheikh holidays on October 10, 2009 at 04:56 AM
I think I received about 12 pie plates... Needless to say, it was my initiation into the baking club. This Emile Henry dish is by far my favorite of the bunch!
Tom Hess on March 18, 2010 at 07:25 PM
I make a red clay pie plate. The plate is handmade with an unglazed surface that yields an evenly-browned bottom crust.
Tracy Schneider on March 18, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Thanks, Tom. Hess Pottery and your pie plate looks great!