Apple Caramel Nut to Salted Maple Pumpkin: Thanksgiving Pies in the D

By: Toni Cunningham | November 10, 2014
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Thanksgiving is all about family togetherness and being thankful for the many gifts we have, and it just so happens that it’s also the one day of the year where we consume the most food in one single meal. We’ve already discussed how the big feast would simply be incomplete without a turkey, and everyone knows it would be utterly lacking without the very last part of the meal, as well: pie.

As someone who has made many a homemade Thanksgiving pie (as well as several others throughout the course of the year), I can tell you that while the result is delicious, it is tedious, and it is time consuming. If you’ve, say, just recently moved into a new apartment and don’t have the time or the tools at the moment to make a Thanksgiving pie from scratch, or if you’re simply looking to eliminate some unnecessary stress this holiday season, leave the pie making to the professionals, kick back with a nice holiday cocktail and relax.

Here are five of the best pie companies in southeast Michigan where you can place an order for your Thanksgiving pies:

Achatz Handmade Pie Co., with several pie shop locations in the Metro Detroit area, has a plethora of fruit and cream pies to choose from. Whether you decide to go with a traditional flavor, or something a little more unique, your Thanksgiving guests will surely be headed back for seconds!

Whether you're going out on a fishing trip, discovering new hiking spots, or heading out for a weekend of camping, the Trailblazer is an ideal companion for your active lifestyle.

Try the Apple Caramel Nut, Michigan 4-Berry (with delicious crumb topping), Pecan or Raspberry Cream. You can place an order for any pie online, or in store. In addition to the pie shops, several local retailers carry Achatz pies, including Hiller’s Market, Kroger and Whole Foods Market. Pies typically range in price from $15.99 to $18.99.

Dangerously Delicious Pies, 4626 3rd St., Detroit, is located inside the Third Street Bar and is known for its rock ‘n’ roll pies. Its founder was featured on the Food Network last year, so you know these are quality desserts! While both savory and sweet pies are cranked out of the ovens at Dangerously Delicious Pies, we’re going to focus on the sweet variety for now.

Your Thanksgiving guests will devour a variety of pies including Sea Salt Caramel (three of the best words to ever be strung together), Baltimore Bomb (a bestseller), Motown Brown (a delicious pecan concoction), Pumpkin and more.

Grand Traverse Pie Company, has several Metro Detroit locations, and the Michigan-based pie company’s motto is one I think we should all embrace: love, peace, pie. While my personal favorite here is the Bailey’s Chocolate Cream Pie, you may also enjoy Cherry Peach Crumb, Apple Dumpling with Caramel Topping, Suttons Bay Blueberry, Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb, Blackberry Peach Crumb and Lakeshore Berry.

If you really, and I mean really, like pie, you may even want to consider signing up for Grand Traverse Pie Company’s Pie Dough Club. It’s free, and by signing up for the reward program, you get a free slice of pie upon registering, and another one on your birthday. That’s a pretty sweet deal, ‘eh?

Sister Pie, winner of this year’s Hatch Detroit contest, won $50,000 in order to boost its start up business. Pies can be ordered through the online pie shop, and also picked up at Parker Street Market, 1814 Park St., Detroit, as well as fellow Detroit businesses Germack Coffee Roasting Company and SocraTea.

Sadly enough, as I write this, Thanksgiving preorders have officially sold out, but pies are still available for walk-in purchase at Parker Street Market on Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 26. Apple Sage Gouda, Brandy Pecan, Cranberry Crumble and Salted Maple Pumpkin are all obvious reasons as to why Sister Pie took home the gold.

Sweet Potato Sensations, 17337 Lahser Rd., Detroit, has more sweet potato-centered dishes on its menu than you knew were possible. Sweet potato and specialty pies include the original Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Coconut Pie, Sweet Potato Pecan Pie and Lemon Chess Pie.

Make your holiday feast complete with a pie from Sweet Potato Sensations this Thanksgiving, and your guests will be happier than ever. And hey, a pie made out of a vegetable isn’t technically horribly unhealthy for you, now is it?

This Thanksgiving, be sure to enjoy the time you get to spend with your family and closest friends, and if that time should happen to involve a hearty slice of pie (or two), then enjoy it! 

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