Pie Classes
One Lesson and You’ll Never Fear Dough Again
From her start as “pie baker to the stars” at Malibu Kitchen in California back in 2001, Beth’s pie expertise has expanded far beyond that little seaside cafe.
The author of the bestselling cookbook, “Ms. American Pie: Buttery Good Pie Recipes and Bold Tales from the American Gothic House,” Beth has taught pie-making to celebs like Marie Osmond, Cristina Ferrare, and Eve Plumb (aka “Jan Brady”).
She has taught classes to a wide range of groups, including Japanese businesspeople in Tokyo, kids in a South African township, grieving residents of Newtown, Connecticut (after the Sandy Hook shooting), and classrooms full of at-risk/at-promise high school kids, to name a few. She has done countless pie demos: at the National Pie Championships, at bookstores and libraries during her book tours, and many times on live television.
Beth’s teaching style will alleviate your fear of making dough, help you overcome your illusion of perfection (“Pie should look homemade!” she insists), engage all your senses through the tactile baking experience, and build your confidence.
During her round-the-world trip of 2015, she taught pie classes in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, India, Lebanon, Switzerland, Germany and Hungary as a way to promote good will and encourage cultural understanding. During that journey, she made 75 pies for the American Embassy’s 4th of July Party in Bangkok, and delivered a dozen pies to a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon. By taking her class you will hear stories about her travels as well as about her adventures living in — and baking in — the American Gothic House, where she lived and ran the Pitchfork Pie Stand from 2010 to 2014.
Group Classes
Organize your own group (minimum 5 participants). The in-person four-hour session includes hands-on instruction, ingredients, and baking time. There is time for personal discussion over coffee and a slice of pie. Each person leaves with their own finished large pie (usually apple) to take home and share. And you may end up with a mini pie or two, using your leftover ingredients.
Beth will have her books available for purchase and signing. Great for families, birthdays, book clubs, and bridal showers. A pie class is also an ideal team-building workshop for your company or organization.
The class is best suited for ages 5 and up. The price of $100 per person includes all ingredients. Scholarships and gift certificates available.
Ask about online classes via Zoom.
Pie Demo
If you have a large group event (like a trade show, book fair, corporate function) but no oven to bake pies, Beth can do a demo of how to make a pie from scratch, using her easy-to-learn, no-fuss techniques and shortcuts. One-hour session, includes a talk about her pie endeavors and how pie can make the world a better place. And the unbaked pie is given away at the end for someone to take home, bake, and share. Flat rate, plus travel fee.
Book Club
How about doing a pie class with your book club? It’s the same four-hour session as the group class, but with some added discussion and Q&A about Beth’s books and the writing process.
For a one-hour session online, Beth can do a pie demo, book discussion and Q&A.
Charity Classes/Donations
One of the most important aspects of pie is sharing. Therefore, Beth often donates her time to teach at-risk/at-promise youth, grief groups, and others. Please contact for further information.
Recipes and Instructional Videos
Can’t swing a pie class? As a big believer in sharing, you can get all the help you need by watching her instructional baking series on YouTube, “Stay Calm and Bake Pie.”
For pie recipes, go here.
Making Pie is as…Well, Easy as Pie!
Butter or lard? How long do I knead the dough? How many apples? Flour or cornstarch to thicken? How do I keep the dough from sticking or cracking? How do you get that shiny glaze on top? How do I know when my pie is done? These are some of the many questions Howard answers in her pie lessons. She will demystify the art of making dough, help you become a whiz at rolling out a thin crust, and you will leave with your confidence so buoyed you will never, ever buy that pre-made stuff from the store again!
Remember, pie is not about perfection! Pie should look homemade. So just go for it and have fun.
Three tips for easy dough: 1) Use enough water so your dough is pliable (dry dough cracks and is hard to roll), 2) Don’t overwork the dough or it will become too tough to roll, 3) Use flour liberally when rolling to keep it from sticking.
Testimonials to Howard’s Pie Lessons
“My husband now thinks I’m a domestic goddess. After eating the pie I brought home from you class he couldn’t keep his hands off me. Thanks for the inspiration!” — Pie class student
“This was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I’ve had in ages — and the best looking pie I’ve ever made! Thanks!” — Oma Blaise Ford, Senior Deputy Editor/Home Design, Better Homes and Gardens
“I had a great time last night. You did an excellent job. I’d much rather be baking pie this morning than working on a 50-slide Powerpoint presentation.” — Julia Beck, Marketing Manager, Daimler/Mercedes Benz
“My sister was so impressed with my pie, I may make another tonight for my friend who just had a baby. Your pie making lessons are having a ‘ripple effect’ on the world.” — Jennifer Anderson, Senior Reporter, Portland Tribune Newspaper
“My pie is DELICIOUS – if I do say so myself. Thanks for the great evening and for the introduction to the world of pie.” — Susanne Flother, Co-founder, Somnium Mattresses
“I wanted to thank you for taking the time and teaching us ladies how to bake. You are absolutely wonderful.” — Eliana Pianko, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
“It really was a fun party and I found it incredibly relaxing — a nice escape from daily life!” — Frauke Venema, HR Manager, Daimler AG
“Best apple pie I ever tasted — and I made it myself!” — Melissa Forman, TV producer
– As seen on Home & Family TV, on the Hallmark Channel. Beth makes pie with Cristina Ferrare.