CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Can I bake a pie and turkey at the same time? How do I give my crust that beautiful golden brown hue? How should I store my pie after baking? Help! Starting today, the Sara Lee® pie team is dishing out answers to callers’ questions with a dedicated hotline for pie predicaments through Thanksgiving Day. Whether it is a question about baking, serving or storing, the Sara Lee experts are prepared to provide consumers tips for perfecting their holiday pie.
“We get an influx of pie-related questions this time of year and know that for new and experienced bakers alike, it is helpful to speak with someone live on the phone during crunch time,” said Elizabeth Tanis, consumer affairs manager, Sara Lee Desserts. “We’ll have our phones staffed with experts to answer any kind of pie-related questions consumers face this Thanksgiving season.”
More than 60 percent of all Sara Lee pie sales occur during the holiday season.
“Consumers choose Sara Lee Oven Fresh Pies because they are a convenient holiday solution with a great homemade taste,” said Jen Ganahl, senior brand manager, Sara Lee Desserts. “Our pies are made with high-quality ingredients, like our Sara Lee Oven Fresh Dutch Apple Pie with orchard-picked, sun-ripened Michigan apples topped with crunchy streusel and Sara Lee Oven Fresh Pumpkin Pie with rich, smooth pumpkin and our special blend of cinnamon and spices.”
The hotline is open Monday through Friday until Thanksgiving from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, and open Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. Consumers can reach the pie experts by calling 1-888-914-1247.
The scheduled hotline hours are:
- Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Friday, Nov. 22; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST
- Monday, Nov. 25 – Wednesday, Nov. 27; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST
- Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST
Some of the most frequently asked pie-baking questions the Sara Lee experts field include:
Q. Can I bake two pies at the same time if they have different temperatures and bake times?
A. Yes; when baking two different pies, use the lower of the two oven temperatures. Place each pie on a separate baking sheet and check for doneness according to individual package directions.
Q. Can I bake a pie and turkey at the same time?
A. No; avoid baking your holiday pie with your turkey. To bake a perfect golden-brown pie, you must use a higher temperature than you would to cook a turkey for your holiday meal.
Q. Can I leave my pies on the counter overnight after baking?
A. Pumpkin and sweet potato must go in the refrigerator after baking. Fruit pies can stay on the counter overnight for one night.
Q. I left my Sara Lee pie in the refrigerator instead of the freezer, can I still bake it?
A. You can! Follow the directions for the frozen pie, using the temperature stated on the box; however, the frozen pie will need less time to bake because it is now thawed. On average, baking time will be reduced by 15 minutes if baking from a thawed state. Be sure to cover the edges of the pie with foil to avoid overbrowning.
For additional information, including a pie preparation video and enhancement tips, visit www.SaraLeeDesserts.com. To find where Sara Lee pie varieties including Pumpkin and Dutch Apple are sold, visit the Sara Lee Product Locator at www.SaraLeeDesserts.com/Products/Product-Locator.
About Sara Lee Desserts
For more than 75 years, Sara Lee Desserts has delighted millions of consumers by providing a wide portfolio of sweet goods, including cheesecakes, pound cakes, pies, cakes and sweet breakfast items. Sara Lee Desserts has become an integral part of family gatherings, special occasions and moments of togetherness with products to fit every season. For more information about Sara Lee Desserts visit www.SaraLeeDesserts.com or join in the sweet conversation on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SaraLeeDesserts.
About The Hillshire Brands Company
The Hillshire Brands Company (NYSE: HSH) is a leader in meat-centric food solutions for the retail and foodservice markets. The company generated approximately $4 billion in annual sales in fiscal 2013. The company’s more than 9,000 employees work together every day toward a common purpose – fulfilling the hunger for a life well fed. Hillshire Brands’ portfolio includes iconic brands such as Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farm, State Fair, Sara Lee frozen bakery and Chef Pierre pies, as well as artisanal brands Aidells and Gallo Salame. For more information on the company, please visit www.hillshirebrands.com.
