LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

With plans in the works for distribution across Canada, Gertie’s Peanut Butter Pies may become a new national treasure.

ONTARIO MAKERS

Singular sensation Doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well is definitely working for the team behind these exceptional peanut butter pies. They make just one flavour that’s available in just one size.

By Brenda Morrison | photography by james tse

Yes, there really is a

Gertie’s Peanut

Family Treasure Campbell has always cherished family recipes. The epitome of comfort food, they bring a sense of nostalgia to the table, as well as being an important reminder that recipes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This five-inch pie is a perfect example. Each one begins with a light graham wheat and peanut crust layered with velvety mascarpone cream with a hint of fresh lemon, has gooey peanut caramel in the centre, then finishes with a slathering of peanut butter mousse—all perfectly topped with crunchy honeyed whole roasted peanuts.

Slice of Success Campbell began making peanut butter pies as tasty treats for his family and friends. Never did he imagine that in little over a week, his humble pie would become a social media star, highly praised and much sought after by food shops and foodies across Ontario! As Campbell focused on ramping up production, his girlfriend and business partner, Sara Steep, looked after the branding and marketing. These simply scrumptious pies were now officially Gertie’s Peanut Butter Pies.

It’s Pie O’Clock This summer, keep your freezer stocked with a supply of pies—and not just for dessert. Because it’s not overly sweet, you can enjoy it any time of day. For weekend brunch, swap out your usual sweet pastries for a slice of Gertie’s Pie. Hungry to try one? For an ever-expanding list of retailers—from Niag- ara to Ottawa—visit heygertie.com. Average retail price: $11.50.

Butter Pies During lockdown, chef, restaurateur and now pie-guy Ryan Campbell found himself spending less time at his restaurant and more time in his own kitchen. And rather than creating sophisticated haute cuisine, he was most often making good old-fashioned recipes from his childhood, including his mom Gerda’s peanut butter pie.

Gertie! Chef Campbell’s mother, Gerda, is fondly called Gertie, and that’s an old photo of her on the box.

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SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK