.Best Free-Range Treat: A worthy end for honestly raised chickens

Sure, the terminology of free-range chickens is confusing. Instead, we have to trust our taste buds. And they tell us that Bakesale Betty’s chicken potpie — made from free-range, grain-fed, antibiotics-free chickens under the Fulton Valley Farms brand — is just about perfect. Just how much access to outside pasture the growing birds receive is a matter of debate among ethically minded food bloggers. But where the birds end up is between two crusts that separate into brittle, leaflike layers as the pie bakes, creating a flaky frame for the savory goodness inside. Studded with a big dice of soft carrots and the fat hunks of chicken, the saucy filling hums with powerful doses of salt and black pepper. Pies come frozen solid — bake about ninety minutes. The regular size will feed five ravenous poultryvores for $25. Order in advance, and you also can get individual pies — a worthy end for creatures whose breeding you can taste.