OP: Martha Stewart's Pies and Tarts
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Clarkson Potter, New York, 1985. Hardcover. Very Good.
Martha Stewart’s name evokes visions of elaborate tablescapes, hors d'oeuvres dispersed from a vintage wooden garden wagon (I’m not making that up), or a casual nonchalance regarding a midnight omelette party for thirty. She’s always a little extra, and that’s why we love her.
Her 1985 book on pies and tarts–traditionally an already intimidating subcategory of baking–shows more restraint than we might expect from the over-the-top domestic goddess. The recipes themselves are reassuringly straight-forward and to the point. It is, of course, in the presentation where Stewart’s defining flair manifests, each pie or tart showcasing a different tin shape or size, crimping or lattice style, and other elaborate flourishes.
There are poached pear “dumplings” wrapped and baked in puff pastry, sculpted to mimic the look of the fruit inside. White chocolate-mocha cream carnation tartlets take their name from the white chocolate curls studding the filling, giving them a striking floral starburst appearance. A buttermilk pie crust is decorated with hand cut dough leaves, and a strawberry Christmas tart is baked in a tree-shaped tin.
Our copy is in Very Good condition with a price-clipped and lightly worn jacket. A great gift for a moderately experienced home baker looking for new challenges and ideas.
