The Great American Pie

"Where can I buy a great tasting pie in Cleveland?" That's the question posted as my Facebook status early this week. My mom-in-law's birthday called for something decadent and luscious. Suggestions were made, then based on proximity and after reviewing several different bakeries online I decided on Gray House Pies.

I definitely didn't want anything that would resemble a Baker's Square pie. I wanted a pie that has never been frozen and that had fresh all natural ingredients, no preservatives and phenomenal taste. Gray House Pies delivered above and beyond. On their website they promise no hydrogenated oils, transfats or preservatives. I also liked the fact that they use whenever possible locally obtained ingredients from apples to milk and eggs. I was sold.

One of my mom-in-laws favorite pies is banana cream. So after looking over the menu online I had my heart set on the 10" Banana Dream for $19. A 30 minute drive to the west side of Cleveland later I was standing in a small shop taking in a wonderfully sweet smell of freshly baked treats. The woman behind the counter took my order with a friendly smile and disappeared in the back.

Only a few moments later she comes back with the disappointing news that they had no more large banana cream pies but that there are still some of the 8" pies left. Bummer, the 8" looked really small, but now I have the chance to maybe get two little guys with the chance of bringing home twice the fabulous flavor.

I already got a cream pie so I decided on their Red White and Blue fruit pie. This pie does not just sound patriotic, but is backed up by its traditional pie flavors: cherry, apple and blueberry. I couldn't wait to get a piece of that.

After bagging up my pies the woman behind the counter gives me even better news. Instead of charging me for the small pies individually (which would have been a total of $26), she will only charge me the price the large Banana Dream would have cost me. Now, that's customer service and one more reason that will have me coming back to this little bakery again.

Of course the first pie we tried after my mom-in-law opened her gifts was the Banana Dream. Oooooh, how awesome! Normally I am not a huge banana cream pie fan because the flavor tastes unnatural to me. This one however was made with real bananas and I could definitely taste the difference.

The cream was rich and smooth with real chunks of banana all throughout. The crust was buttery and crunchy at the same time, not too sweet, just right. Both, my hubby and his mom, confirmed that this was the best banana cream pie they have ever had.

Next was the Red White and Blue concoction of fruits. I am definitely a fruit pie person above a cream pie fan, and I love my pies warm. I cut off a very generous chunk from this 8" pie and popped it in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds.

Once I opened the door of the microwave, I could already smell all the wonderful aroma of cherries, apples and blueberries.  Each one of the fruits takes a stand in this pie and does not get lost among the other flavors. The buttery crust and crumble on top complete the pie. The sweetness of the pie is all natural. I never felt overwhelmed by any artificial sugars which was most important to me.

Now I am ready for more. Especially with the holidays coming up I know I will be back for sure. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pecan, sweet potato: I think they have fall written all over them and I can't wait to grab one. Check out Gray House Pies complete list of pies right here. Let me know if you have tried any, which one is your favorite and why?