Happy Pie Day to us!

There are lots of obvious reasons for me to love my job: great books, amazing authors and awesome colleagues. A slightly less obvious reason is baking! We have more than a few skilled chefs in our midst and to celebrate the release of the new Martha Stewart Pies and Tarts cookbook we decided to have a Piebonanza! Long time BookLounge blog readers will remember our very first Martha-inspired bake-off, the Cupcake-a-pahlooza. Veteran “Pahloozers” Tan and Ainsley from the Digital department were the first to sign on for this new challenge, with bakers from Editorial, Publicity and Production. Nothing brings people together like pies and tarts both savory and sweet! (pictures after the jump)

Tan and Ainsley from the Digital Department with an excellent showing of Phyllo Tart with Sugared Pluots and a twist on a classic, Cheddar-Crust Apple Pie (below left).

Our Editorial department didn’t want to miss the opportunity to shine, with Bhavna’s Mississippi Mud Pie and Martha’s oh-so-springy Poppy-Seed Tartlets with Lemon Curd (above right).

Val from Production and Design made a deconstructed confection with this amazing Apple Crumb Crostata (below left).

I made the Frozen Chocolate-Peanut Putter Pie, because who can say no to an oversized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? And last but not least Adria helped stabilize our blood sugar with this awesome mushroom, gruyère quiche (above right)!

They were all delicious and we’ll be fighting to stay awake this afternoon, but I’m sure we’ll be baking again. Go ahead, tell us your favourite kind of pie or tart!