PIE BAKERS! HELP!

[lilmomma]

There is a pie baking contest at my kid's school. I want to make a pie but have never made more than the standard pumpkin or pecan pies for Thanksgiving. I need a relatively easy recipe for a novice like me that will be a show stopper either for flavor or looks. Maybe that is a tall order, but tell me what you got! I appreciate it. Thanks!

[ipsedixit]

Avocado Pie.

Bonus? It's no bake!

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Fruit/...

[lilmomma]

I got to busy that day to enter. But I will keep these recipes for future use. Thanks. BTW< a black bottom peanut butter pie won!

[John E.]

The most impressive recent pie recipe I have come across AND successfully made is Cook's Country Raspberry Chiffon Pie.

http://www.food.com/recipe/raspberry-chiffon-pie-335108

I don't know how to post a photo with this mobile device, but here is a photo:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=cooks+...

[pilotgirl210]

I've won prizes at our annual Elks Lodge steak fry and pie contest with my black-bottom key lime pie. Even the name sounds like a winner. And, it is soooooo yummy. Basic oreo crust, key lime filling with lime zest included and then I either do a meringue topping or whipped cream. But the meringue holds up better in the heat. (It's usually more than 100 degrees here in August, when the contest is held.)

[Chocolatechipkt]

Yum!

[janniecooks]

Laura Calder's Easy Pastry Shop Apple Tart is superb and rather simple - no pie crust to roll out, you mix in a food processor and press into a springform or tart pan, bake for a bit then add a cream cheese mixture, top with sliced sugared and spiced apples and nuts, and finish baking. Nothing complex, easy for a novice baker and it never fails to wow people. Here's the link:

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recip...

[lilmomma]

These all look great. Keep them coming. Thank you!!!!!

[jen kalb]

the pichet ong squash pie recipe I llnked in the pie cookbook thread below is a showstopper and it has a graham cracker crumb crust. It would certainly stand out in any crowd.

[lilmomma]

jen, what pie cookbook? I don't see the thread.

[HillJ]

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage...
the actual recipe can be followed from here, lilmomma.

[bushwickgirl]

This pie is definitely scheduled for an appearance on my Thanksgiving table this year. Thanks, jen and HillJ.

[HillJ]

Mine too, bushwickgirl and has for a few years already. Ong knows desserts.

[Kelli2006]

The Amish favorite of Shoo Fly pie.

http://www.amishnews.com/amisharticle...

[bushwickgirl]

My dad sang this song to us when we were kids, "Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pandowy, makes your eyes light up and your stomach say howdy."

My mom made both. Fun.

[katecm]

I wouldn't venture into a first-time pie crust for a contest, as pie crusts are finicky and benefit from practice. I made this once for a BBQ and it went over well, especially if you get to fire it with a torch in front of the judges: http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/06/smo...

I've also made a whole-lemon tart, if you're willing to stretch from pie to tart. The flavor is a really beautiful pure lemon, plus it generally blows people's minds that the entire rind is in it.

[todao]

Remember, pie baking contests are won on the crust, not the filling.

[blue room]

The Toll House Cookie Pie is usually popular.
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes...

[chowser]

For simple and delicious, try this two layer key lime pie. You won't have to deal w/ making a traditional pie crust, it's different from what people expect but it's close enough that they love it. Super easy to put together.

http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/ind...