Start Your New Year Off With A Classic Slice Of Pie

Photos courtesy of Kevin Austin

Hello my fellow foodies and Happy New Year! My first culinary adventure for the new year started with an apple pie and ended with a cherry pie, and there is an incredible story behind this. I had a few friends come over for the holidays, and they brought a Hinman Apple Pie to my house. I am not a huge pie eater, but it was dessert, so in the oven it went. After one bite, there was a second and third bite. I could not believe how amazing this pie was, like life changing good. The next day I did some investigating to find the owner of Hinman Pie, John Hinman. We chatted on the phone for a long time, and I knew we had to meet. I headed down to his bakery in Denver the next week and thus began one of the most incredible culinary adventures I have had.

A little background on how Hinman Pie got started. Rooted in tradition, John learned to make pies by entering tons of Colorado pie contests until he knew what it took to make the best pies. With a background as a pastry chef working at many Colorado restaurants, it just seemed fitting that he started Hinman Pie using locally sourced ingredients that make every pie so very special. John (known as the unofficial Denver Pie Guy) has a story that is one of perseverance and overcoming alcohol struggles. He came out on top and is the founder of CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness), a nonprofit supporting mental health awareness in the food service industry.

Whether you are a sweet or savory pie eater, Hinman Pie has got you covered. The Pork Green Chili pot pie is out of this world. Other flavors include Cherry, Apple, Blueberry, Chicken pot pie, and many more. There are sizes that range from six to nine-inch pies, as well as hand pies (think empanada size), and his new PieEtte’s.  PieEtte’s are a two-bite finger delight of pie deliciousness. While I was there chatting with John, he decided to make me a cherry pie, the pie flavor that started it all. You could tell by the look on his face that this is what made John happy. With every fold of the dough and pinch of the crust, there was joy. John told me he hadn’t made a pie himself in a long time, as he has many employees, so this cherry pie was so special, and I felt so honored to be its lucky recipient.

Hinman Pie can be found in many locally owned grocery and specialty food stores as well as Pine Melon grocery home delivery, and local Farmers markets.  He has done collaborations with Denver Beer Company as well. You can also order his pies to pick up at his commissary kitchen in Denver.

I feel it would be an understatement to say that my visit to Hinman Pie was life changing. John’s love of pies shines through in every bite of his pies. As I sit typing this article, I have one of his Pork Green Chili pies warming in the oven. If you haven’t tried a Hinman Pie, you simply must. They are a true testament that if you work hard, and have a dream, nothing can stand in your way. Something to think about at the start of 2025. Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well and be well.