Poetic Pies: Pieku

 pieku.co • 503.583.4393

Some of my current favorite things: squash of all types as discussed earlier this month, going to bed ridiculously early, and this new show on Animal Planet called Too Cute! (it seriously is all about cute pets, best idea ever).  Also included on that list is talking with awesome chefs who are friendly, personable and make delicious food for everyone to enjoy. 

Photo Courtesy: Pieku

Last night I got to do just that.  I met with Sara Suffriti of Pieku, a newly started pie business that is absolutely fantastic.  I first met Sara when she hosted a pie tasting at my apartment building.  Her “pie poppers” were adorable and delicious.  As I was sampling, I realized that they were the same mini pies that are sold at Salt & Straw, my new favorite ice cream shop (and also found in their Bourbon Pecan Pie ice cream!), so of course I was even more hooked on Sara’s creations. 

Pie Poppers! Photo courtesy: Pieku

KitchenCru space

The finishing salt on Pieku’s Salted Caramel Apple Pie?  From Jacobsen Salt Co., which has a space at KitchenCru.  The proprietor drives in salt water from the Oregon Coast and boils it down to extremely clean, beautiful salt crystals in the NW Portland space. 

The bacon used in the Bacon Infused Crust?  From Tails & Trotters, the top-quality pork producer, which also has a space at KitchenCru.

The apple pie Sara made while we were talking

Sara also goes with an old-school approach to pie crust using lard rather than butter (also from Tails & Trotters).  If that sounds a little strange to you, definitely don’t let that deter you – that is part of the reason her crusts taste so great.  Another reason is high-quality whole wheat flour mixed with pastry flour, creating a delicious flaky sweet crust.

Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Photo courtesy: Pieku

Pieku offers a great mix of classic and creative flavors that are all extremely tasty, perfect for that holiday party or just because (I mean who doesn’t want a slice of pie at any point during the day, how about one right now as a matter of fact?).  One of my favorite additions is that the pies even come with a little haiku about pies like this one: “Bubbling, thick, sweet. Scenting the air with berries. You are a classic.”  

I can’t wait to see where Pieku goes from here!  And I can’t wait to stop in at Salt & Straw and try an incredible ice cream pie – I know a combination of these two local shops is going to be heavenly. 

Photo courtesy: Pieku

Where to Find Pieku’s Pies:

Within the short 11 months Pieku has been open, the current one-woman show that is Pieku has already expanded to the adidas Portland campus in North Portland and five cafes and shops around town.

• Backspace: 115 NW 5^th & Davis
• Theo’s: 121 NW 5^th & Davis
• Salt & Straw: 2035 NE Alberta St & 20th
• Rain or Shine Coffee House: 5941 SE Division St & 60^th
• adidas Portland campus: 5055 N Greeley Ave

What to Get:

• Maple Cream with Bacon-Infused Crust: You really should try this. Sara renders the bacon fat and uses that instead of butter in the pie crust, offering that smoky, salty flavor of bacon.  The maple in the pie is the perfect complement. It’s like breakfast in pie form – what could be better?
• Chai Pumpkin: The chai adds a nice kick of spice to the classic pumpkin pie.
• Pecan Pie: Not your standard pecan, this pie includes molasses which offers extra depth and flavor.

Other Facts:

• Thanksgiving orders!  Don’t like to bake, but love to eat pie?  Or just don’t have the time this year?  Well place your Thanksgiving pie orders with Pieku now!  Sara is taking orders until this Friday, November 18^th!
• Pie Dough: Like to make pies but can’t quite figure out how to master the crust?  Pick up some of Pieku’s pie dough at KitchenCru on Fridays from 4-7pm (and hopefully a grocery store near you soon!).
  

  Photo courtesy: Pieku