50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie

Stacey Mei Yan Fong, an Asian immigrant and former fashion designer, offers a culinary tribute to the United States through more than fifty pie recipes. Each entry honors a specific state by capturing its unique cultural landscape and local ingredients. The book functions as a personal narrative that traces her journey from Southeast Asia to her current life in Brooklyn. Fong collaborates with local experts to create authentic dishes, such as working with a Sioux nation chef for South Dakota’s Wild Rice Pudding Pie or adapting Illinois’ Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie. She also includes bonus pies reflecting her own history, including Pandan Custard Pie for Singapore and a Bagel Order Pie for New York City. The collection features familiar favorites like Kentucky Derby Pie and Mississippi Mud Pie alongside inventive savory options like Idaho’s Mashed Potato Pie. This volume suits readers interested in American regional cuisine, immigrant narratives, and creative baking projects. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional, unadorned pie recipes without narrative context or cultural commentary.