When the fabulous people at Haynes dropped me a line about their new 'Pie Manual' I jumped at the opportunity to have a good look through the world of pies according to Haynes and author Andrew Webb. I love Haynes, I rebuilt a 1966 VW Beetle with one of their trusty manuals by my side. And yes, it worked and I drove my beloved 'Igie' until it was time for me to get a more modern car for the daily commute; although I've my eye on another classic and yes, there'll be another Haynes manual if I do. Anyway, back to the pies...
When the aptly titled 'Men's Pie Manual' arrived, I had visions of getting rough and ready with the pastry and making a proper pie, but Ian had quietly spied it and had been flicking through. So I decided that as it was a man's manual, why not get the Man of the House to put the recipes to the test. And here's what he had to say...
And whilst you're at it why not pop on over to Ian's blog - Bubbleless and say hello and check out his other recipes and kitchen experiments!
I've had a fair amount of experience with Haynes manuals although mostly for cars, for which they are most known. The step by step guide with handy photographs has made car maintenance at home a reality, I'm not sure that without my trusty Haynes manuals I would have fixed half the problems I've had on my cars.
So when Louise was sent a copy of the Haynes Men's Pie Manual to review there was really only one man for the job. So in order to do this reviews justice I got myself a cup of tea and sat down with my new Haynes manual and started flicking through, first impressions are that it is quite different from a car manual, for a start the pictures are all in colour, however it does still have section of tools and techniques.
Having read through the book I thought it would be best if I was to try out one or two of the recipes, I thought I'd go for puff pastry and then use that to make sausage rolls. I'm not sure the puff pastry was the best recipe to choose as even in the book it says just use readymade and not to bother making your own, still I wanted to try. I think given that there is a preference to buy puff pastry rather than make your own the instructions weren't quite as detailed and step by step as they are for other pastries, the rough puff for examples does go into much more detail and even has photographic steps. Still I managed to follow the instructions to make puff pastry and then use it to make sausage rolls.
I’m not sure this is a book I would go out and buy, but it would make a good present for the man that wants to cook but doesn’t. The recipes are simple good food deigned to appeal to the manly man, which man doesn’t like pie and a pint?
About the manual
The manual includes everything you need to know about making and baking proper pies. Covering tools and equipment, perfect pastry, and fantastic fillings, it will have you wowing your friends and family.
About the author
Andrew Webb is a food journalist and author. He’s appeared on TV, Radio, and regularly writes forDelicious magazine and various newspapers. He’s also been a judge at the British Pie Awards since 2011 – consequently he knows a good pie when he sees one.
Great British Menu star and Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge says:
“Andrew Webb is a man after my own heart and his book is packed with proper pies; go on, dig in!
Disclaimer: The “Haynes Men's Pie Manual” by Andrew Webb is out now, and is available from www.haynes.co.uk priced £21.99.
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