Baking Pies

For those of you who can't wait to take out your pie tins as soon as you spot a fresh apple or juicy peach, our Apple Pears may be just what you are looking for! We received this email from Jim Gilbert, and are excited to share his pie baking tips with you:

"I've been baking apple pies for over forty years and have always believed that Granny Smith apples are the best baking apple. However, while in Costco last week I came across Apple Pears. Based on their appearance - uniformity in color, shape, & size and lack of blemish - I decided to experiment with them in a pie. I utilized four Apple Pears and added about 1/4 cup fresh red raspberries for an 8-inch pie. The outcome was way beyond any expectations. The porous nature of Apple Pears resulted in an incorporation of raspberry flavor with a suggestion of cinnamon. In addition the Apple Pears took on a uniformed pinkish hue and maintained shape integrity. This is indeed an excellent baking fruit that conceivably can be used alone or with a variety of accompanied fruit. I can envision using cherries, blueberries, cranberries, or any additional ingredient that one might choose. After forty years I discovered a better apple pie than one made with Granny Smith apples. Thank you!"