Would you do this? - Page 3

I think that is great that you did make it for him.

 

I don't know why so many people were so against doing this... Really, what did it cost you? Nothing really (as he paid you) -except maybe not using your own recipe (so maybe that's an ego/pride thing?) and you made an elderly man happy. He probably doesn't have all the tools to make his own pie (if he lives in a retirement village/home) and he wanted something from his original homeland. When he provided the recipe, he just wanted to ensure that it would be based on a traditional American pie recipe, especially since he's not living in the US anymore.
 

I think this guy has made quiet a few of his pies, and worst of all I think he likes to see if anyone else dares attempt the masterful bake he thinks he can achieve !

I think the main problem is: most of us have people wanting our baked goods from word of mouth...he could go tell whoever "Hey, this girl will do whatever you want."  I will say I am shocked that he included tips for making pies.  Does he think you are an idiot?  I will say I am guilty of being too nice sometimes but I am learning after doing this for a little more than a year that I need to stand my ground more.  It makes my life easier and less stressful too.  I mean, we should all try to make our customers happy, but we need to draw the line somewhere.  We all have different limits too.

I would imagine that this gentleman is remembering a taste of long ago, maybe an apple pie that grandma use to make. We do things like that when we are older, "remember when" sort of thing. My take on this, he being a transplant American, living in Australia, just wanted a pie that reminded him of home and thus felt he needed to "school" you on an American Recipe. I think you are a terrific person for doing this for him.
 

Originally Posted by BakingIrene

My response would be along the lines of "dear sir the person who made that last pie was fired. I have taken over her business, and NO I do not bake pies."

 

This also cracks me up! it really made me LOL out loud, sorry I don't know how to add more than one quote since the new change around :S

 

 

Edit: Actually I just found out now I feel utterly stupid.

He feels he should be involved, so why not take a little time and make holes in his recipe, making sure you get him all confused with baking terms, then he'll believe you know your salt( you never can tell he might still make a good customer, once you earn his respect).

I would bake the pie (and maybe even for free) for an elderly person who asked simply, saying he was nostalgic for home cooking.

 

I have a major problem with the long list of instructions--this can come across as offensive to those of us who bake a lot.  Just because a business sells cakes, there is no reason to assume that the baker doesn't know how to bake a good pie.

 

And FYI I NEVER prebake the bottom of a fruit pie and it's never soggy.  The trick is to use a glass pie plate and to bake at 400F for the first 10 minutes, to get the bottom cooked.  I use instant tapioca to thicken fresh and frozen fruit fillings.

Irene,

 

If you were gifting pies, how would you bake them using the disposable aluminum tins?  Sorry to get off-topic, but I thought about doing pies this year as gifts and I was going to use the foil pie tins.

Annie, Irene had a great suggestion about bake time and temp. That extra heat will help bake the crust. Also, place pie pan on bottom rack.

HaHa! This was my initial thought as well. But maybe he HAD a wife and he gave her too many pie making tips and she had enough of that and divorced him.

Thanks for the help, Mimi!
 

  When I had to bake lots of pies for events, I used the foil pans without any problems.  Yes the higher temperature for the first 10 minutes takes care of the bottom.  But please consider putting the baked pies onto cake circles for support when you are transporting them.  

OMG  His letter is so FUNNY!!  I needed a good laugh today and he certainly gave me one.  IF you agree to do this.  I would definitely charge accordingly.  Personally I would tell him that because your name goes with anything you bake that you prefer to use your own recipes!!!  Good Luck!