Customer Reviews

Emile Henry Le Potier 9-Inch Pie Dish, Blue

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I hesitate to bring 'Emile' into public settings, because people are always trying to walk off with this favorite pie dish. Originally bought this back in '95 at an exclusive Kitchen boutique (hello $$$) for its good looks and solid feel, but quickly discovered that their 'special Burgundian clay' was not just a marketing gimmick, but really helps maintain a crisp crust, even with the juiciest of fillings - the heat-conducting material also seems to get the filling hotter quicker, so you don't end up with a singed top crust. When they say 'deep dish' they are not kidding: you can really pack it into this dish. The fact that it goes freezer-to-oven-to-dishwasher is no small bonus, either. Previously not much of a pie baker, I have somehow now acquired (along with 2 additional 'Emile' pie dishes, a reputation for my pies. If you take yours into public, just be sure to write your name on the bottom with a PERMANENT marker, or you may never see it again!!

One of my favorite desserts to make is deep-dish caramel apple pie with streusel topping. I bought this green Emile Henry 9-inch pie dish to make that recipe, and I was so pleased by using the dish that I soon bought more matching pieces. Emile Henry has been manufacturing their individually-crafted pieces for more than 150 years in France, but they've only been available in the United States for about 20 years. This pie dish is their signature piece, with its fluted edge and ribbed exterior. It's hard to see just how beautiful its transparent color glaze is from the picture. It's made of high-fired Burgundy clay, and its glaze is resistant to cracking and crazing when used in a microwave or conventional oven, or under a broiler. It's dishwasher and freezer safe, too. There are a few cautions: use an oven mitt or thick potholder because the dish can get quite hot, even from the microwave; don't put the hot dish on a cold or damp surface; and don't put the dish directly on a stovetop heat source. This pie dish is very durable, chip resistant, and has a one-year warranty against breakage. I also use it to make sweet and savory tarts and fudge pie, which is difficult to bake to a proper consistency in any other pie dish than this one. The earthenware holds the moisture in and ensures that the pie is baked evenly through the center.

I adore my Emile Henry pie dish. It was my first piece of Emile Henry and worth every cent. The dish is beautiful and durable. It cleans up nicely, you don't have to worry about scratching and sticking is not a problem.

I baked stuffed sole in it tonight and the results were wonderful. Evenly cooked, no sticking, no burning. For special occasion pies it is a huge asset. Bringing a homemade apple pie to the table in a classic dish definitely ups the WOW factor. In addition to the presentation value it bakes like a dream. Crisp, even, golden crusts and bubbly filling. Its also great with egg dishes like quiche that require very even heating for best results.

Even if you are only the occasional baker you won't result splurging on an heirloom pie dish.

Before I got this dish I baked a couple of pies on thanksgiving, one in a Pyrex dish, the other in one of those disposable things from the supermarket. I bought this because it was so pretty, and it made me feel special to have such a nice piece. I bought the second one because I began making pies more often, and why should only the apple pie look beautiful on Thanksgiving? The pies seemed to cook better, but I wasn't sure if it because they did or I liked the pans so much. Last year I made two pies for some guests to take home in those tins from the supermarket and oh, my what a difference. They are certianly not a kitchen requirement but if you like how they look and want to treat yourself they certainly are nice. Oh, and they clean very easily as well. ...