Discover the Best Pie Making Classes Online
Pie making is a multi-step process that may seem simple, but it’s not. Making a crust is not as simple as adding liquid to the flour and baking it. If the flour is not cut with other ingredients, the gluten may bind the crust too much, leaving it tough and unpleasant to eat. Too little gluten and the crust doesn’t form a solid structure. Instead, it breaks apart too easily.
Many crusts blend flour, fats, and different liquids, possibly even sweeteners. The right amount of fat cut into flour adds flakiness, whereas too much fat results in a crust that crumbles.
Once the ideal flour-to-fat-to-liquid ratio is combined and the pie pan is lined, it’s time to add the filling. Some fillings are sweet. These are your classic pies: apple, cherry, and banana creme. Though not as popular as they once were, Savory pies are still classic comfort foods. In the winter, chicken pot pie made from scratch is a must! In the summer, fresh vegetables from the garden make the perfect savory pie, like Swiss chard or savory summer squash pie.
No season or time of day is the wrong time for pie. It’s versatile, quick, and always welcome at every meal.
Why You Should Learn Pie Making Online
Home bakers and professionals use many of the same methods to craft pies that have relatives, friends, and customers asking for more. For many years, food manufacturers tried to simplify the at-home pie-making process by providing whole pies or crusts in the freezer section of a grocery store. They’ve also created canned pie filling; home chefs can open and dump into premade pie crusts, bake at 400 degrees, and eat promptly. Freezer pies are great in a pinch. However, purchasing a pre-made crust and pie filling or frozen version simplifies the process, yet this results in a pie that doesn’t taste the same as a from-scratch version. Learning to bake the perfect from-scratch pie is never wasted time or effort.
Making pies from scratch is a fun hobby that your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. Once you’ve established yourself as a skilled pie-maker, people will request that you bring your creation to their next potluck or event.
Pie making can also bring people together in person or over social media. Pie making clubs, drawing members passionate about pies, exist in many locations. Even Facebook and Instagram have pie clubs or experts that you can follow. Pie making is not exclusive to adults; some high schools have sweet treats clubs, sharing pies and other desserts.
Over time, some amateur pie makers may wish to test their skills against others. Pie making contests are a popular way to vet a personal creation or an original spin on a classic. The Milwaukee competition has several categories that a baker can submit a creation: best pie with Wisconsin ingredients, best classic apple pie, and best chocolate pie. Other cities like New York have their competitions with different categories. Some competitions may award winners with money. Some competitions only give out bragging rights. Either way, designing a custom pie, submitting it to a competition, and winning is a great feeling.
Virtual Pie Making Classes
Consider a virtual class if you are ready to learn or improve your pie-making skills. Virtual classes are taught live online, so you get many of the same benefits of an in-person class: getting tailor-made feedback from an instructor and asking questions when unsure of a process.
Online classes can be easier to attend since you can take them anywhere that works for you. Busy adults learning a new skill need less, not more, commute time.
Taking an online class will require that you gather the necessary supplies beforehand. Instructors make it easy, giving you a list of essentials before the class. With online retailers, gathering these supplies can be as simple as a few clicks before they appear on your doorstep. The best part about ordering supplies in advance is that you’ll have them for your next pie making endeavor. Find your ideal online pie making class at CourseHorse.
Nothing says summer like fruit pies. From California with fresh strawberries to Georgia surrounded by peaches, summer fruit is ripening and added to desserts like pie. Home Cooking New York is ready to teach you how to make the perfect just-ripened fruit creation in their Summer Pie Workshop course. This class is designed for following along. Make sure to purchase all necessary items in advance. Besides leaving with a fabulous pie, you’ll also gain a recipe packet to continue to bake delicious pies in the future.
The classic American dessert, the apple pie, is a must to be mastered. By taking Eve Bergazyn’s live online Virtual Apple Pie & Apple Martini course, you can master some delicious fall pie techniques. When apples are ripened to perfection, you will wow your friends and family with the perfect buttery, flaky crust and apple-cinnamon filling. She even teaches how to make a caramel sauce from scratch to drizzle over the pie. Save some for the side scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Ready to branch out to a different type of pie, a Whoopie Pie? These delicious pies are finger food, making them the perfect treat to bring to any party. Some people may know these as black moons or devil dogs. They resemble a sandwich: the bread is a cross between a cookie and a cake, and the filling is similar to whipped cream. Learn how to make these Seasonal Whoopie Pies through the Teaching Table’s virtual course.
Private Online Group Pie Making Classes
Gather your team for a private online group pie-making event to bring people together and build community. Or add pie making to your next house party for an event that will leave attendees talking about it for years. CourseHorse offers live online pie making classes for private groups and businesses.
Many amateur bakers haven’t yet mastered the classic American pie–apple–and would welcome an opportunity to do so. Learn this favorite with the private group Virtual Apple Pie Workshop (with optional Appletini) class. This class does not include any materials or ingredients; check out the list of materials needed before the first day of the course to fully participate in the pie-making experience. Participants will make the pie dough from scratch, along with fresh filling, caramel sauce, apple cider whipped cream, and an appletini. As a bonus, this class addresses making a gluten-free version.
One example of a private online group pie making course is CourseHorse’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crips & Lemonade class. This class–similar to many group experience classes–provides materials. Participants only need to supply perishable ingredients and standard kitchen tools like baking sheets or spoons. This class can accommodate up to 250 people.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? If CourseHorse does not publicly list a class, they will work with your group to create the ideal private course. Reach out through the contact form on CourseHorse’s site to learn about the options available.
Booking with CourseHorse is easy and takes just minutes. Plus, they’re flexible; if needed, group size can be changed after booking. They will confirm your class within 24 hours. No more waiting to hear whether the organization can accommodate your group. The price you see is the price you pay. Unlike many online booking services, CourseHorse does not charge booking fees. Plus, they are flexible with the platform–Zoom is the default– and can accommodate several options, including Google Meets and Microsoft Teams. They work hard to minimize your stress and planning so that you can enjoy the event.
Online vs. In-Person Pie Making Classes
Learning to make pie takes commitment. Whether the learning happens online or in-person is irrelevant. Each type of class is tailored to a particular group of learners. Consider what you need before enrolling in a course.
Online classes are ideal for busy individuals or those who don’t live near an area offering in-person courses. Commuting and finding parking can be time intensive, creating a huge barrier for those who wish to enroll but cannot. An online class, taken from the comfort of your home, allows time-strapped bakers to add new skills with a shorter investment of time. Plus, most people don’t live near locations offering in-person classes. Previously, the only other option was to purchase and follow along in a pie making book. Yet, books cannot offer feedback like an online class can. Plus, you can learn from observing an expert’s techniques.
Online classes will require you to gather ingredients and supplies before the class starts. Most supplies can be quickly purchased through online retailers, showing up on your doorstep within days. Most supplies can be reused for future pie making endeavors.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a location that offers pie making classes, you’ll benefit from the presence of an instructor and additional participants. Being surrounded by a community of pie makers can speed up the learning process. Class attendees can ask questions, offer feedback, and assist one another with techniques. Plus, having an instructor present allows for personalized demonstrations. If you’re struggling with a technique, the instructor can model the exact technique needed. An in-person course also reduces distractions that may be present at home. It allows you to focus entirely on the skill at hand.
Can I Learn Pie Making for Free Online?
Almost any skill can be learned for free online. Hobbyists post instructional videos and tutorials, attempting to teach someone else a skill. While a free online tutorial might provide some information, it can be limiting. First, consider whether the person creating the video is a true expert. Some are, and some are not. Following a non-expert may lead to learning incorrect techniques. Another important consideration is how much time you want to invest. Finding your videos takes time. Formal training from an expert will help most people learn proper methods much faster. Value your time by signing up for an online course run by an expert.