Zoë Bakes Deep Dive: Perfect Peach Pie with Candied Bacon
A Q&A with Tara Coleman of Hot Hand Pies!
When I walked into Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit to film an episode of Zoë Bakes with the owner, Tara Coleman, I knew there was something Extra going on there. The soulful menu and charming, yet understated dining room, have a homey, comfort food vibe and feel like it comes from a very personal place for Tara. The second I looked into the pastry case filled with pies, biscuits, cookies, and everything else you dream of for breakfast, I knew I was in the presence of a skilled, technically trained baker. These pastries are perfectly executed for texture and flavor but aren’t fussy or complicated. Creating something simple can actually be harder because there is nothing showy or distracting to hide behind. Tara has the kitchen chops to be putting together fancy meals and has done plenty of that in her past, but biscuits and breakfasts and pie are what moves her and she’s nailing it.
Like so many chefs, her mom and grandma inspired her journey but maybe not in the way you might expect. Like me, she didn’t necessarily grow up learning how to bake from these influential women, but their love of sweets made a lasting impression.
I loved being in the kitchen with Tara and felt like we’d known each other our whole lives, even though we’d just met. Maybe it’s the kindred spirits of bakers, maybe we’re both a little goofy (meant as a total compliment) or that we danced and she shared her secrets for her ultra-buttery biscuit peach cobbler on the show. For all those reasons and many more, you need to visit Tara at her St. Paul restaurant. Until you can get there IRL, she’s shared her delicious recipe for the ultimate comfort food, Vanilla Pudding, and more about her worldly food journey.
Peach & Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad
As is sometimes the case, we shoot more recipes than we have time for in an episode of Zoë Bakes. Unfortunately, those recipes get chopped out and left on the editing floor. In this peach episode, I made a summery Peach & Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad. We were so sad to drop it from the show, but that’s how it goes. I am sharing it with you here so that not all is lost. Enjoy!
Perfect Peach Pie With Candied Bacon
The perfect peach pie is a recipe I’ve made for years, and adding candied bacon takes it to the next level. The combination of salty and sweet is a perfect pair, and the natural saltiness of bacon makes it a wonderful companion for baked goods in general. This peach pie with candied bacon is perfect for pie lovers, bacon lovers, and everyone in between!
The wonderful Tara Coleman of Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit inspired me to make the peach pie with candied bacon. Her bakery and breakfast spot is a Twin Cities gem that features amazing baked goods and hearty biscuit dishes. Watch me make a fresh peach pie and visit Hot Hands this Sunday, July 30 at 12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET on Magnolia Network.