When a Big Box Arrives, And It’s Mail Order Pie, That’s Amore
If you can’t be with your family and friends for the holidays, send them love (and dessert, which is kind of the same thing) by shipping a pie from one of the West’s favorite bakeries.
I have told one story about Thanksgiving that demonstrates my habit of making too many desserts—and the odd tension that can surface during the making of a big, family holiday meal—so many times that many of my friends have it memorized. I’ll skip over some of the uglier details and get to the nut of it.
During one particularly stressful Turkey Day, a bossy but beloved family member saw me peeling apples for a crisp and asked if we really needed a third dessert. “Do we really need another dessert, Christine?” she asked, her tone laced with consternation. We already had two beautiful pies displayed on the counter. I replied, “If this holiday were about needs and not wants, you might be having your turkey back home in New Jersey.”
It’s true. I said it. It wasn’t a proud moment, but it was a memorable one. And it sums up my general attitude about important feasts, which is—stated simply—”Sometimes I overdo it. No further comment necessary.”
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Which brings me to this mail order pie story. Is it absolutely mandatory to have a pie shipped directly from a favorite Oregon farm, or from a bakery that’s a sentimental favorite? Do you need to send fruit baked in a flaky crust packed carefully in a box on a plane? No. But when you picture the delight of your loved ones opening that box, and knowing that you loved and missed them enough to ship a pie, a borderline absurd gesture like this seems very worth it.
Here’s a round up of our favorite Western bakeries that are making the very best pies you absolutely do not need.
But you want them anyway.
Piedaho in Hailey, Idaho
Former Angeleno Rebecca Bloom decamped with her young family to Southern Idaho and set up shop as a pie maker back in 2018, years before other city-dwellers headed for the literal hills. Using local fruit from farms like Kelley’s Canyon Orchard and Tubbs Berry Farm, and ingredients from Bob’s Red Mill and Wheat Montana, Bloom applies an artist’s eye to her creations. For the pie lovers in your life, consider a seasonal or annual subscription with plenty of flexibility. Love peaches and strawberries? Pick two summer pies. Salted caramel apple and mixed berry (pictured) are Thanksgiving favorites.
Blue Raeven Farms in Amity, Oregon
The signature pie at Blue Raeven Farms, an orchard farm stand and bakery in Amity, Oregon, is a combination of blueberries, boysenberries, and marionberries grown on on the farm. Pies must be ordered in sets of two 9-inch pies, and can be mixed and matched. Order a pack of three hand pies, or the seasonal option—currently Rhubarb Crumb.
Pietisserie in Oakland, California
This Oakland pie-specific bakery has been serving up slices since 2010. Its clean, minimalist look and elegant flavors like raspberry chocolate and creamy purple sweet potato set it apart from more home-spun options.
Twede’s Cafe in North Bend, Washington
David Lynch fans may recognize Twede’s, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, as the Twin Peaks cafe. The North Bend, Washington, institution has been around since 1941—maybe because it’s capitalized on the show’s cult following and will ship Twede’s merchandise and its signature “damn good cherry pie.” Order the pie alone, or add a bag of coffee beans.
Julian Pie Company in Julian, California
A small bakery run by three generations of the Smothers family in Southern California’s apple capital, Julian, cranks out memorable apple and berry pies. They have no-added-sugar options, plus crumb and original crust options. And if you’d rather deliver it in person (or eat it yourself), they’re also sold at select Albertson’s grocery stores.
Brave Robot Pie Ice Cream in Los Angeles
If someone loves the “a la mode” but would rather skip the pie—and the butter—then a delivery from L.A.-based Brave Robot vegan ice cream is in order. These pie-inspired flavors like pecan and raspberry are an animal-free dessert alternative to standard pie, but taste no less decadent.
Elle’s Belles in Belgrade, Montana
Montana’s favorite bakery—just west of Bozeman—has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine and Martha Stewart Living. While owner Elle Fine is known for her ornate and delicious wedding cakes, her pies are no joke either. If you know someone who’s craving local Montana huckleberries, send some hand pies or a pair of two mini pies their way. Or opt for the cheesecake with huckleberry topping, which is truly never a bad idea.
The Pie Hole in Los Angeles
DIY pie kits from The Pie Hole in L.A. check a couple of different boxes: They’re easier to ship since the components (crust, filling, topping, garnish) are packed separately, and they let the recipient maintain the illusion that they actually made something. While The Pie Hole is known for its kitschy “Cereal Killer” pie, this salty Mexican Chocolate pie kit is a winner for the fruit-avoiders in your life.
