Review: Pieminister – a pie for all seasons by Tristan Hogg and Jon Simon

We’re huge pie fans here at English Towers.  I think I’ve missed out because I’ve never actually had a Pieminister pie, but they’ve come to the rescue and brought out a weighty tome of their wonderful pie recipes so we can all have their lush creations at home.

I love this book, not only for its creative ideas (canapies, anyone?) and wonderful sense of humour (try saying “‘Jamaica, me love you’ patties” without attempting a Caribbean lilt) but also for the sheer breadth of ingredients they manage to stuff into a pie!  There’s rabbit, chipotle chilli, jerk chicken, pear and chocolate, rhubarb and custard….

*Takes a breath*

Highlights include the Christingle Pie (no more boring nut roast for the veggies amongst us on Christmas day), the frankly ridiculous Hedonist pie: a stunning chocolate pie with a touch of clementine and a shot of rum (drooool) and the Spring Chicken Pot Pie, proving that pies aren’t just for chill winter evenings.  Oh no.

I just had to make their classic moo pie (although they don’t give away their closely guarded secret recipe completely).  It’s a rich and delicious, herby steak and ale pie that got a unanimous thumbs up from de brevren (we actually fought over the last piece).

Highly recommended!  ’Pieminister. A pie for all seasons’ is published by Bantam Press and is available now priced £14.99.

13 Responses to “Review: Pieminister – a pie for all seasons by Tristan Hogg and Jon Simon”

1. Katie Bryson says:

   October 8, 2011 at 10:55 am

   Such a great book – loads of inviting recipes and lots of veggie options too. We’re keen pie-scoffers in our house too
   • English Mum says:

     October 8, 2011 at 3:20 pm

     I love it. Definitely one that’ll get all floury and mucky I think x
2. Chuck says:

   October 8, 2011 at 11:31 am

   I love Pieminister so much! Their Thai green curry pie (which you must have with mash and gravy) is beyond delicious. Definitely going to be getting my hands on this book at some point.
   • English Mum says:

     October 8, 2011 at 3:21 pm

     Oh definitely do, Chuck – it’s got that Thai recipe in it
3. Jules says:

   October 8, 2011 at 12:22 pm

   I’m a big fan of this book too. I’ve eaten a Pieminister pie a couple of times before and they don’t beat the pies from my local Butchers, but they are certainly not bad. So far from the book I’ve made the sausage, potato & cider pie which was amazing. I’m planning to make the beef & mushroom pie this weekend.
   • English Mum says:

     October 8, 2011 at 3:21 pm

     It’s great isn’t it? I’ve got my eye on that sausage one – and the moo pie was excellent. x
4. Laura says:

   October 8, 2011 at 2:06 pm

   Happy to see the sprouts!
   • English Mum says:

     October 8, 2011 at 3:22 pm

     I nearly tweeted you to tell you I’d bought my first sprouts of the season. But then it seemed a bit sad… *cough*
5. Emily Knight says:

   October 10, 2011 at 12:11 pm

   Your pie looks great! I still need to test out a few recipes from my copy…it’s a great book, though, so well put together!

   Em
6. Reluctant Housedad says:

   October 11, 2011 at 12:06 pm

   I love Pieminster. Tasted my first at Borough Market a few years ago – their Heidi Pie (I think) and the Matador Pie. But the best is the Thai Chicken pie. Your pie looks stunning.
   • English Mum says:

     October 11, 2011 at 9:54 pm

     So many people praising the Thai chicken pie – I must make one!
7. Icklebabe says:

   October 12, 2011 at 3:20 pm

   Ohh love the idea of this book, another one to add to my cook book lust list . And that moo pie looks gorg! Can I come over for tea x
   • English Mum says:

     October 13, 2011 at 1:50 pm

     Always!! Highly recommended book – great ressups