Norm Patterson In The Business of Making “Pies Above the Norm”

If it’s after work hours, somewhere between five and eleven o’clock p.m., you can bet there’s a creative guy baking tasty, gourmet pies from his kitchen in Beam Reach of Geist. This Frenchman, named Norm Patterson, prepares all of his fare using only the finest and freshest spices and ingredients, never taking any short cuts, but always making his pies, well, “above the Norm.”

His reputation signifies not only a cook with strapping forearms from kneading so much dough over the years, but also one with a strong work ethic. Furthermore, he believes in meticulous preparation and outstanding presentation for all of his cuisine.

“During the holiday season, I have been known to bake thirty pies and six cheesecakes, all in one night,” says Patterson, owner of “Pies Above the Norm.” Norm also works his full-time, daytime job as an Information Technology Consultant at Clarian Health.

His grandmother, whom he viewed as the world’s best cook, was his main inspiration. She was born in Normandy, France. (Hence, Norm was named after her birthplace.) His grandmother’s expertise was crepes while Norm’s has always been pies. “My grandmother and I were inseparable. Together, we would always cook whatever we felt for that day, and dream about someday having our own restaurant.”

“I made my first pie when I was only four years old,” says Norm. “My mother was sick in bed with the flu so I thought I would surprise her with a cherry pie.” He went out in his backyard and picked cherries from the tree, then came into the kitchen to make his mom a pie. When she awoke, she was so stunned. She demanded to know which neighbor brought it by. Till this day, Norm and his mom still haven’t figured out how he knew to make that pie. The only conclusion they have drawn so far is that he must have seen something on television and picked up the visual aspects, as he had not yet learned English at that time (only French).

Norm has been in the business of making pies for about four years. Some of his most popular sellers include: Apple; Sweet Potato; Half Sweet Potato/ Half Walnut (which he pioneered and represents his biggest seller during the holidays); Half Pumpkin/ Half Walnut; Pecan; Sugar Cream; Key Lime; Lemon Meringue (made the old fashion way, separating the egg whites before whipping them); Cherry Cheesecake; and New York Style Cheesecake with Fruit Topping.

Norm’s favorite concoction for fruit topping, which he says is “heavenly,” is a combination of Blueberry, Raspberry, and Blackberry. He also makes a Three Berry Pie using this mixture.

Norms represents a serendipitous cook who makes every meal a wonderful revelation. He takes his homegrown vegetables from the garden and creates a new casserole in minutes. He mimics exquisite meals from his favorite restaurant without any difficulty. He once lived in Florida with an orange tree in his yard and wondered, “Why haven’t I heard of orange glaze pie before?” So, he made one and it was delicious!

Also, he often shares his proficiency with his friends. For instance, when he was in his 20’s, he went to the Pacific Northwest in Oregon for a fishing trip with three of his buddies. He noticed some huge blackberry bushes with luscious berries as big as his thumb. He took off his baseball hat and filled it with blackberries. Later that evening, he not only made some superb stuffed salmon for his friends, but he also shocked them with a fresh baked blackberry pie. He remembers, “My friends thought they were in heaven!”

Furthermore, Norm is the kind of guy who amazes his friends and co-workers with a pie for a special day such as a birthday or a farewell party at work. He will even make an extra petite pie (the size of a pot pie) so that his friends can enjoy a pie all to themselves. He feels that baking these gifts for friends makes it all worthwhile especially since he once overheard his friend saying, “We always knew we were special because we got a pie from Norm.”

“I take pride in what I do,” says Norm whose greatest thrill is seeing people’s satisfaction as they enjoy eating the tasty temptations he has just created. His second utmost joy is going through the actual process of preparing the food. He is known for taking his cuisine from the oven and presenting it to everyone as he proudly admits, “I have a masterpiece here.”

If you would like to help ease your stress of baking during this upcoming holiday season, or for any special event, try some “Pies Above the Norm.” To order, call Norm at 317-450-8973 or visit www.piesabovethenorm.com.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe