Giving Pie as Christmas Gift Help

Lobster1987

Hello Everyone!

I want to make pies for Christmas for my in laws, and have all these cute ideas on how to decorate them, and wrap them up, etc.



But, when making an apple or fruit pie, should I bake them first and then give them as gifts or should I freeze them, and have them do the baking when they want to eat the pie?



I'm not sure whether I should make the dough, filling, and put them together in a pie tin, and then put cellophane wrap around it, and give it to them that way after it's been frozen...



Can anyone here shed any light on what would be the best route?



Thank you so much in advance!

Contrarian

It's a matter of personal preference, I suppose, but I would rather receive it frozen and bake it myself.

Nice idea.

cassiejoyy

I think this would be a cute idea http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-a-jar/

glockster972

I like pie.

Lobster1987

Thanks Cassie, but I have my mind set on making the pies myself. I found these super cute tiny cookie cutters that I could make little leafs and Christmas shapes out of the dough and put those on for the top layer of crust. They are going to be so cute I can hardly contain myself! LOL

So if I froze them right away, I would just take them out of the freezer and then gift wrap them in the cellophane before I bring them over for the Christmas party?

McKayMachina

I'd want it baked and wrapped at room temp. That way I can eat it right away.

wbgolden

I was going to make a joke about receiving a frozen pie and throwing it through the window then shouting "WHERE'S MY REAL PRESENT?" but couldn't come up with one.

On a more serious note, I think, as the recipient, I would prefer the frozen one. That way I could cook that baby anytime I wanted, rather than feeling like I had to eat it right away.

Contrarian

Thanks Cassie, but I have my mind set on making the pies myself. I found these super cute tiny cookie cutters that I could make little leafs and Christmas shapes out of the dough and put those on for the top layer of crust. They are going to be so cute I can hardly contain myself! LOL

So if I froze them right away, I would just take them out of the freezer and then gift wrap them in the cellophane before I bring them over for the Christmas party?

I think that would work. Maybe keep them in a cooler for the drive over as well.

parys1

Pie is one of my favourite things :happy:
That "mini-pie-in-a-jar" thing is an awesome idea! I would love getting pie for Christmas and I would like to receive it frozen so I could bake it.
Great idea! (wish I was on your gift list :laugh: )

Lobster1987

Yeah, I'm going to have to buy a cooler, because his parents live 5 hours away from us....I'm gonna have to keep those babies cold!

ktmccorkell

I do that for Christmas for my father in law every year. I make one for him on Christmas with a note that he will get a pie of his choice every month. I let him choose what kind he's hungry for and then a make it by the first of the month. He loves it and I like to bake so its a win win kind of deal.

SheilaSisco

Those little single serve pies in a jar thing ARE a do it yourself project and they are SUPER CUTE!!! I absolutely love it and may have to do a few of them this year! Thanks, Cassie!!!

Bonita_Lynne_58

Yeah, I'm going to have to buy a cooler, because his parents live 5 hours away from us....I'm gonna have to keep those babies cold!

You should probably pack them with some dry ice to keep them frozen for that long of a trip.

I think making pies and freezing them so they can bake them whenever they want is a great idea.

nkswans

I think this would be a cute idea http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-a-jar/

Ok...now I want to do this!! So cute!

Lobster1987

Thanks for the input. I think freezing is a good way to go.

cramernh

In knowing my friends that I send a baked-goodie gift, I send them a homemade-pie that hasnt been cooked, but frozen for future baking.

You probably figure they have enough leftovers, dessert included - and Im sure they dont want extra leftovers to get through... and they can bake the pie at a future date!

emilydmac

bump!

WildFlower7

I think it depends on personal preference, I personally would freeze em. That seems like the "freshest" way to go. I like to do Low Cal Banana Nut Bread yogart covered pretzels and nuts for gifts and I make banana oatmeal cookies with homemade low cal icing for gifts. All of these items can be givin within a day or 2 of making them. This year I'm also gonna try making my own jam to give too. I like your idea lots too but never considered doing it cause I wasnt sure how/when to give them, I went with the things I have cause a. their healthy and b. I dont have to give them fresh or frozen. Curious what you decide on going with. Good luck!

Bigaug

I've done it both ways. People really seemed to love the frozen pies better.

Lobster1987

Thanks for all the replies! I think I am going with the frozen way. I bought some cute cellophane bags to wrap them in. I can't freakin' wait to make them. I also think I am going to make some cookies for other people as I bought little cello bags as well.