Stacey Mei Yan Fong was born in Singapore, grew up in Indonesia and Hong Kong, attended college in Savannah, Ga., and now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fong's varied life experiences have allowed her to appreciate the many different regions of her adopted country, and she showcases all 50 states with delectable offerings in 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie. Fong explains that baking pies brings her comfort and connection, and she uses them to evoke tastes from some of her most beloved places.
Beginning with her childhood favorites, she features gorgeous pies--such as Pandan Cream Pie with Toasted Coconut, Mango, and Coconut Whipped Cream--that include the flavors of Asia. Then Fong proceeds through the states alphabetically, describing her time in the state or interesting facts and stories for those she hasn't visited yet. Each state's section also includes a recipe for a sweet or savory pie, a luscious picture, and a lovely dedication, linking each pie to someone from the state. Georgia gets a Sweet Tea Peach Pie with Pecan Crumble; North Dakota, a Tater Tot-Hotdish Pie; and New York (of course), gets an Apple Pie with Coffee Cake Crumble.
Perfect for pie lovers, American geography aficionados, and immigrants alike, 50 Pies, 50 States is truly a love letter to America's food diversity. Full of beautiful photographs, delicious recipes, and charming anecdotes, 50 Pies, 50 States makes a welcome addition to any baker's library. --Jessica Howard, freelance book reviewer