About Man-Made Pies

Hi, I’m Michael — a full-time (half-the-time) single dad in Baltimore, MD, raising two amazing and busy teenagers, and the pie enthusiast behind Man-Made Pies.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I set out to teach myself how to make the perfect pecan pie. As a Southerner from Stone Mountain, GA, pecans (and peaches) are near and dear to my heart. I experimented with different syrups, sugars, egg ratios, pecan sizes, crusts, and add-ins like bourbon (yes!) and chocolate (eh). I even built spreadsheets to track the variables. I gave pies to neighbors and friends for feedback—and ate more than a few myself—until I felt like I nailed it.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one who thought so. My pecan pie won 3rd Place at the 2023 Maryland State Fair, and 1st Place in 2024. That blue ribbon was a proud moment—but the real joy came from watching people light up after their first bite.

As I expanded into other kinds of pies, I found inspiration from amazing sites like Preppy Kitchen and Sally’s Baking Addiction. But I noticed most baking blogs are built for a different audience—lots of long, chatty intros, dreamy kitchens, and professionally lit videos. That’s not me.

I bake in a standard Baltimore City rowhome kitchen, juggling a full-time job and two hungry teenagers. I don’t have time for fluff—or money for marble countertops. I just want to make great pie and help others do the same.

Through ManMadePies.com, I share easy, no-nonsense recipes and tips—no lengthy backstories required. My goal is to help single dads, guys, and curious bakers of all kinds feel confident in the kitchen. Because yes, pies can be intimidating. And no, baking isn’t traditionally “masculine.” But hear me out:

We men love our Big Green Eggs and Blackstones. We’re project-driven, challenge-seeking, and weekend-warrior types. We like showing love through actions. Well—that’s baking. Plus, my recipes often involve bourbon, vodka, and lard. What’s more manly than that?

I taught myself to bake and even took my pies to competitions. If I can do it, you can too. So let’s make pies manly again (were they ever?). Whether you’re impressing a date or bonding with your kids, trust me—a homemade pie always hits.

Baking has brought my family and community closer. It’s a labor of love I’m excited to share.

– Michael