Perfect Pies & More

After the success of Perfect Pies, National Pie Baking Champion (27 times!) Michele Stuart went back into the kitchen—the same kitchen in Vermont where she first dreamed up the award-winning creations that inspired her to open the popular Michele’s Pies shops. Returning there also meant returning to the cherished pies she learned to bake under her grandmother’s and mother’s watchful eyes, as well as the wonderful cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats that became their family tradition.
 
In her newest cookbook, Perfect Pies & More, Stuart delves deeper into her roots while creating delicious new memories made with love and care. Inside, you’ll find tantalizing recipes—some easy-to-bake, some requiring a bit more finesse—for dozens of her favorite fruit, nut, and cream pies, and so much more.
 
• NEW TWISTS ON OLD FAVORITES: Pineapple-Pomegranate Pie with Coconut Crumb, Orange Creamsicle Pie, Almond Joy Pie
• WHIMSICAL PIES: Thin Mint Chocolate Cookie Pie, Key Lime-Blackberry Chiffon Pie, Cannoli Party Dip Pie
• CRUSTS & TOPPINGS: Pretzel Crust, Oreo Cookie Crust, Walnut Crumb Topping
• COOKIES & BARS: Blondies, Double Chocolate Walnut Cookies, Lemon Crunch Bars
• PERFECT FOR A CUP OF TEA: Applesauce Cake, Double Chocolate Bundt Cake, Cranberry-Orange Walnut Bread
• LOVIN’ SPOONFUL: Apple Crisp, Blueberry-Blackberry Turnovers, Bread Pudding
• TOP THIS: Caramel Sauce, Raspberry Glacé, Classic Meringue, Maple Whipped Cream, Chocolate Whipped Cream, Buttercream
 
Sprinkled throughout with mouthwatering photos, Perfect Pies & More also serves up tips, techniques, and the secrets behind several of Michele Stuart’s National Pie Championship winners—including Banana Coconut Pecan Delight. Now a perfect blue-ribbon pie and other scrumptious delicacies are as close as your own kitchen!

Praise for Perfect Pies & More and Michele’s Pies
 
“Stuart’s recipes are rooted in tradition and in a sense of how fresh-baked treats can serve as a powerful sense-memory later in life.”—Hartford Courant
 
“Baking (and eating) fiends, ready your stretchies . . . Stuart’s second book gives the people what they want.”—Daily Candy

“You owe yourself a visit to Michele’s Pies, where pie fillings range from fruits and nuts to butterscotch to just about everything in between.”—The New York Times
 
“Michele is the undisputed champion of pies, and now she’s sharing even more sweet treats from the oven! Her home-cook–friendly recipes are creative, easy, and delicious. I’m a better baker because of this wonderful book. Happy Dance!”—David Venable, QVC host and author of In the Kitchen with David

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs