New Zealand baker and patissier Dean Brettschneider has compiled a stunning cookbook all about the humble pie. PIE contains over 80 mouthwatering pie recipes from the savoury to the sweet and shortcrust to puff pastry. Lovingly presented, PIE is the kind of cookbook you’ll keep in the family for decades and will serve as a perfect Father’s Day present.

Dean recently had time to chat to us about his book, his love of pie and the crucial question: to sauce or not to sauce?

You’re a renowned baker. Why specifically choose pie as the theme for your cookbook?

Baking is very popular right now and Pie is all about comfort food. At some stage everyone loves a pie, sweet or savoury, so the timing is right to do a single title baking book as many people want to know more about one subject.

Regarding the recipes, can even beginners have a go?

Yes for sure – it’s a baking book for people at all levels. I also say that people can use store brought pastry. Its a book for all levels of home baking.

Why did you feel it was important to include an appendix with recipes for pie crusts as well?

Because it’s about being innovative in this area and finding ways to compliment the filling both in flavour and also texture.

If you got to choose the last pie you could ever eat, what would it be?

Bacon & Egg Pie – like my mum use to make for picnics and must be eaten cold!

What about the strangest pie you’ve ever eaten?

The strangest would be in a seafood pie in China. There were whole little fishes inside with intact head & body and I even had to use chop sticks to eat it. That was a mission! The pastry was like eating sand!

You can get pretty creative with piemaking. In your experience, what ingredients can’t you add to pie?

There are no limits to a pie filling. Basically whatever you can cook in a pot can then be transferred into a pie with a pastry base & top. If you are not using a pie tin, then of course you have to make sure the filling is thickened so it doesn’t run everywhere.

Can you settle the sauce dispute? Should a savoury pie be eaten with sauce, and if so, which sauce?

Yes, Yes & YES – Tomato sauce is a must for every savoury pie!!! It’s about adding that extra bit of flavour in both a sweet and acidic way.

PIE is available now.