SALISBURY — When it comes to winter in New England, few things trigger warm, comforting thoughts of the holidays like the smell of hot apple pie.

But because finding time to bake a homemade pie is tough for many, some industrious pie angels at East Parish United Methodist Church have found a perfect way to ensure those who want them can enjoy the goodness of pies cooking in the oven this year.

Led by Jan Juntunen, members of the congregation are making and selling fresh apple pies this year for $10 per pie. What makes this pie sale different is that the pies are sold unbaked.

"When you pick up your pie, it's ready to bake or freeze, " Juntunen said. "When people get their pies, they can put them in the refrigerator or the freezer to bake later, on Christmas Day, or give as gifts, or they can put them in the oven and eat them right away."

Pies must be ordered by Monday, Dec. 15, and picked up on Dec. 22 up at the East Parish United Methodist Church, located on Route 1 in Salisbury Square.

Pies make great gifts for those on holiday lists, like a special mechanic, postal carrier, teacher, stylist, trainer, or for a Yankee swap. This gift packs "a personal touch and a lot of taste, and pie is always the right color, and one size fits all," Juntunen said.

Some in the congregation are donating ingredients for the pies, some are assembling them in their homes, and some will be gathering in the kitchen at the church early Dec. 22 to prepare orders. Special orders don't upset these bakers. If pies must be sugar or spice free, just let them know.

"Nothing says 'home for the holidays' like apple pie. The congregation at EPUMC wants to make sure that everyone can have a pie filled with fresh apples and prayers for the new year," Juntunen said.

A classic, simple apple pie recipe will be used: apples, sugar, cinnamon, a little flour to thicken and a little butter, but there will be one thing that sets these apple pies apart from any others, Juntunen said.

"The shapes of angels will be cut into the top crust to vent the pies, and a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar will give the pies a festive look and hopefully remind everyone that the main ingredients in these pies are the love of Jesus and our prayers, she said.