Unboxing the Ultimate Table Talk Pie Experience: A Flavorful Journey
A Taste of Nostalgia
Table Talk pies, a childhood favorite for many, pack a punch of nostalgia in a tiny box. Imagine a whole pie, perfectly portioned, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's a blast from the past, and I'm here to guide you through the flavors, from the worst to the absolute best.
A Family Legacy
Table Talk's story began in 1924, founded by Greek immigrants Theodore Tonna and Angelo Cotsidas. Now, three generations later, this family-owned business churns out an impressive 240 million pies annually, reaching every state and beyond. Their 8-inch dessert pies are legendary, but today, we focus on the iconic 4-inch snack pies that have become an afternoon staple.
The Pie Ranking Adventure
These pies are more than just a snack; they're a journey through classic fruit flavors and reimagined dessert classics. Choosing a favorite is no easy feat, but I embarked on this tasty mission. Here's a ranking of seven of Table Talk's most beloved snack pie flavors, a journey that might just leave you craving a pie-filled adventure of your own.
- Old Fashioned Cherry Pie: A Disappointing Fruit Imposter
This so-called cherry pie is a bit of a letdown. It lacks the vibrant cherry flavor one would expect. While it fared better in our store-bought cherry pie taste test, it's a far cry from Table Talk's finest work. The filling resembles sticky jam, and the cherry chunks are more like dehydrated bits, offering little more than a bit of texture.
Even if the filling had more cherry appeal, the pie's structure leaves much to be desired. The top layer is thin and filled with air bubbles, while the crust ring takes up a significant portion, leaving a dry bite. It's not the worst pie, but it's certainly bland, a choice you'd only make out of desperation.
- Pineapple Pie: A Pineapple Adventure Gone Wrong
My first encounter with a pineapple pie left me a bit disappointed. I love pineapple in various forms, but in pie form, it missed the mark. While there are actual pineapple chunks, they lack the fruity flavor I crave. It's a subtle citrus experience, a far cry from the juicy pineapple I know and love.
The filling has a marmalade-like consistency, with a jelly-like texture and surprise pineapple chunks. It's similar to Table Talk's lemon pie filling, but without the pleasant acidic tang. A missed opportunity, indeed.
- Old Fashioned Peach Pie: A Pleasant Surprise
As a peach skeptic, I approached this pie with caution, but Table Talk delivered a pleasant surprise. It's a significant step up from the previous fruit pies, but the sweetness is a bit overwhelming. The center is thick, the crust is soft and crumbly, and for a 4-inch pie, the real peach slices are impressive.
The fruit shines through, offering a true peach flavor. While they might not be the juiciest peaches, the price makes it hard to complain. The crust is significantly thicker and more buttery than the cherry pie, offering a good balance of soft and crumbly textures.
- Chocolate Eclair Pie: A Chocolatey Adventure
Deciding between peach and chocolate eclair pie was a tough call, as they're polar opposites. But the chocolate eclair pie takes the win with its originality and depth of flavor. Chocolate eclairs are a challenging pastry to master, so leaving it to Table Talk is a wise choice.
This pie is a textural delight. The chocolate garnish hardens, creating a magical shell. Inside the box, you'll find bonus crispy chocolate morsels, so don't forget to shake them out. The pie requires texture and crunch, and the chocolate bits deliver. The crust is a bit dry, but with the right bite, you get a perfect balance of eclair-like custard, crumbly crust, and contrasting chocolate.
- Lemon Pie: A Classic, No-Frills Delight
This lemon pie is a classic, with a signature lemon pudding flavor and a gooey, inviting texture. The crust is soft and crumbly, with those crispy little edges that add to the experience. While you can make a lemon pie with just three ingredients, Table Talk's snack version is an easy, affordable alternative.
It's similar to a classic lemon tart, but with a thinner crust and more custard. The filling melts in your mouth, almost gelatinous, while the crust provides a satisfying chew. A dollop of meringue would have taken this pie to the top, offering a diverse texture. These pies are mostly crust, so a bit more texture variety is key.
- Apple Pie: A Nostalgic, Balanced Delight
Table Talk's apple pie is a thick, gooey delight, with a strong cinnamon presence. It's a nostalgic, comforting experience, reminiscent of bake sales and grocery store pies. The crust is thinner, which is a benefit, especially at the edges, where it crisps up, offering a crumbly, cookie-like bite.
The texture is everything with these mini pies, and Table Talk's apple pie delivers. When compared to store-bought options, Table Talk's quick bite is a winner. It's a nearly perfect little apple pie, and the price is more than reasonable.
- Pecan Pie: The Ultimate Winner
Table Talk's pecan pie is the clear champion. With each bite, it's a dramatic, satisfying experience. Unlike the fruit-based pies, this one is open on top, showcasing a thin crust edge. The crispy, cookie-like crust pairs perfectly with the sticky, sweet center, creating a balance worthy of praise.
The crust, similar to a plain biscuit, complements the toffee-like, pecan center. Instead of a top crust, this pie has a thin layer of crushed pecans, forming a nutty candy. Table Talk has mastered the pecan pie, creating a flawless version that surpasses some high-end bakery pies. It's a perfect balance of nuttiness and sugar, needing no frills.
The Ranking Methodology
To rank these pies, I kept it simple, tasting them straight from the carton at room temperature. I compared flavor profiles, paying attention to overall flavor, balance, and texture. The top-ranked pies had a prominent but not overpowering sweetness, a flavorful filling, and a moist center that complemented the crust. Balance was key, especially with sugary flavors. Fruit pies needed brightness, and richer pies required depth. Lower-ranked pies lacked these key elements, falling short in flavor and texture.
So, there you have it, a journey through Table Talk's snack pie flavors. Which one will you try first? And do you agree with this ranking? Let's discuss in the comments!
