The Perfect Pie Book

Spring brings all sorts of occasions to bake. There are graduations, showers, family get togethers and the first of barbecues. All of these deserve some good old fashioned fresh form the oven treats. Luckily there is a great new pie book to inspire . This gem has homey old fashioned pies to sophisticated frozen ones. There are also a few bonus muffins and cookie recipes thrown in as well as a salute to Scandinavian sweets.

The amazing book is called The Norske Nook of Pies And Other Recipes( University of Wisconsin Press) and it was written by Jerry Bechard and Cindee Borton-Parker.. Mr Bechard is the owner of this Midwest landmark while Ms Borton-Parker is the regional manager for the chain of Norske Nooks that dot the area. The restaurant on its' own is internationally famous with fans from all over the world visiting the Norske Nooks  for their homestyle meals  and homemade pies. Mr. Bechard bought the restaurant from Helen Meyhe,      a hardworking farm house wife who was talented and dedicated in giving locals delicious meals and desserts. Mr. Bechard bought the Norske Nook from her, keeping all of her recipes, especially the famed pie ones. from there it was an explosion of more Norske Nooks, so named to reflect   the area's heavy Scandinavian heritage.The first was and still in Osseo, Wisconsin, in the western part of the state.it was here that Mrs. Meyhre and later Mr. Bechard created a dazzling array  of  pies. There are traditional fruit ones  to decadent ice cream pies to creamy custard ones. The cookbooks also has a section on the restaurant's cookies,tortes and muffins along with mouth watering Norwegian and Swedish sweets.

This is really is the best pie cookbook out there. Novice home bakers will appreciate the chapter on crusts, from the very basic Crisco one to the more sophisticated nut torte crust (actually very easy to make)There's also  chapters on homemade puddings and toppings like lingonberry and praline. There are recipes for single crust and double crust pies, as well as for incredibly luscious meringue topped ones..These are not just reserved for lemon, there is coconut meringue and rhubarb cream along with sour cream raisin. The frozen pie recipes are drool worthy, like the cookies and cream one and the Northwoods Root Beer Float Pie. This last is made with root beer syrup and  vanilla pudding, perfect for ending a barbecue. Mr. Bechard and Ms. Borton-Parker also include a chapter on tortes,These are thin crusted pie variations with fillings from chocolate to rhubarb and elegant    for bridal   and baby showers.The Norske Nook is also known for cookies and muffins and they're included   here as well.One section that is novel and worth mentioning is the salute to Scandinavian treats. The area was heavily populated by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants in the mid 1800's and the influence is still strong there today, Home bakers can try the impossibly delicate Swedish rosettes which are fried rather than baked.The book's only savory dish , lefses or potato pancakes is also mentioned.along with oatmeal bread . Home chefs can also try the homey,spiced Rommegrot Norwegian pudding or the crispy   kumkakas and Scandiavian Sankakkals.

Buy The Norske Nook Book of Pies and Other Recipes to make delicious desserts for the many Spring gatherings.Any recipe is perfect for a graduation party  or bridal shower or even a family barbecue.. Try them along with the many other recipes for cookies, muffins and Scandinavian treats . Then enjoy what Norske Nook lovers have enjoyed for years!