To really go above and beyond on your pie baking, be sure to keep your butter ice cold, use fresh spices, and crimp the piecrust edges carefully using the thumb and forefingers of your opposite hand all the way around the rim. Serve your pie a la mode—or, for a savory twist, sprinkle a half cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top crust about 20 minutes before you remove it from the oven.
