Baking Made Easier: How a Pie Bird Can Stop Exploding Pies

Even for the small amount of time that I've been baking, I've had my share of baking disasters that I'd rather forget about. For novice bakers, this situation can be prevented by some clever kitchen gadgetry. One of these gadgets that will prevent your nightmare of exploding pies becoming a reality is a pie bird.

What is a pie bird?

A pie bird is a simple device that can prevent too much steam from building up in your pies. If there's too much steam, it increases the pressure inside your pie. All that steam can become too much and will cause your pie to explode. While you could avoid baking pies with a second layer crust, the crust on top of a pie is enough of a crowd-pleaser to warrant using a pie bird. Pie birds are usually made out of ceramic so that they can be baked safely. Like most high quality baking products, a pie bird is usually dishwasher safe to make for easy clean up.

How do you use a pie bird?

First, you'll fill the baking pan you're using with the first layer of pie crust. Then, you'll gently place the pie bird in the center of the pie crust. Be careful not to press down too hard. Next, you'll place all the filling you have for the pie inside. Finally, take your top crust and place it over the pie bird to create a hole. While your pie is baking, the steam that builds up inside will go through the bottom of the bird and escape through the top. Not only will this prevent your pie from exploding but it will also concentrate the flavors and prevent the crust from becoming too soggy.

Where can you buy a pie bird?

Despite The Food Network chef Alton Brown talking about this handy device he uses for pies, you can't find a pie bird on The Food Network website. Fortunately, you can purchase a pie bird on Amazon.com. Manufacturers include R&M and Pfaltzgraff. If you're more interested in the novelty of the pie bird than the functionality, you can find many collectible pie birds on eBay. Some of these collectibles include a Humpty Dumpty pie bird, a Santa Claus pie bird, and even a Barack Obama limited edition pie bird. A pie bird would make a great holiday gift for someone who has aspirations of mastering all their favorite pies.

Serious bakers know that taking measures against baking disasters is always worth the effort. A pie bird a simple gadget that will make your baking less frustrating and more enjoyable.