Best Pies

How did the expression "easy as pie" come into being? The popularity of premade crusts among today's home bakers illuminates how daunting it can be to master the art of pie. The best bakeries make their own buttery, flaky crusts, filled with glossy custard or the season's ripest fruit to add homespun distinction to their by-the-slice comforts.

• A Slice Of Pie; Rolla, MO
• Mom's Apple Pie Company; Occoquan & Leesburg, VA
• Pie Lab; Greensboro, AL
• Pie Shop; Atlanta, GA
• Scratch; Durham, NC