Pi Day, March 14, 2010

Chocolate Pistachio, Butternut, Chocolate Mint

'Pi Day', or more accurately, 'Pi Approximation Day', is recognized on the 14th day of the 3rd month; hence 3.14 the mathematical constant used in geometric equations involving circular objects. It is mostly recognized by geeks and people who love pies. Fortunately both of these apply to me.

I have been aware of Di Day for a few years but have never celebrated it in the past. This year I decided to throw a Pi Day Party. I invited some close friends over to enjoy some homemade pie and good company. I have never had so many people over at my place before and it went great. I am glad that so many people had a good time.

For this party I served 4 different pies: Apple, Butternut, Chocolate Pistachio, and Chocolate Mint. I have made the first three but the Chocolate Mint is a new experiment; it uses a pudding base similar to the one found in the Chocolate Pistachio Pie recipe (http://fromthemindofkenneth.blogspot.com/2009/11/chocolate-pstachio-pie.html). The basic pudding pie filling I use includes pudding mix, maple syrup, eggs, and melted butter. Such pudding based pie fillings usually turn out to be moist, spongy and soft. The chocolate pudding filling is topped with crushed King Peppermints that I received from a care package a few months ago (Thanks Mom and Dad!). It turned out pretty good.

Chocolate Mint Pie

1 pkg. Chocolate Pudding Mix
1 tbsp. Maple Syrup
3 Eggs
2 tbsp. Melted Butter
3/4 c. Milk
1 Chocolate Pie Shell
1 tsp. peppermint powder
1/2 c. crushed peppermints
(The last two items can be obtained from crushing 2 rolls of King Peppermints)

1. Crush peppermints, sift out powder and larger chunks.
2. Mix well pudding mix, syrup, eggs, butter, milk, and powdered peppermints into a large bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and sprinkle with peppermint chunks.
4. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 F.

Erin's Fabulous Baking

Every week I have the pleasure of visiting my friends Matt and Erin to have a bible study with them and other friends from church. It is a time to discuss topics of faith and religion, socialize and of course... enjoy some of the finest food and drink! Matt can usually be found making hot drinks such as lattes, hot chocolate or his signature hot apple cider ( Christmas only :( ) for guests as they arrive. Meanwhile Erin puts the finishing touches on whatever delicious food she is making that evening.

Last week we were treated to "Chocolate Dump Cake" which was great. Apparently it is super easy to make as well. I do not know the exact ingredients but I do know that it has chocolate and peanut butter in it with is always a win. All it needs is to mix the ingredients together in a microwavable container and put it in the microwave for 10 minutes and its done! Above is a picture of the remains of the "Chocolate Dump Cake" after it had mostly been devoured. The week before she made a dessert pizza made with a cookie crust, cream cheese cake filling, and fruit toppings, it was great too!

I look forward to meeting this week, not just for the great food and drink, but also for great discussions and great friends.

Chocolate Pstachio Pie

I have decided to resurrect this blog after a very long hiatus! Over the past few months I have really enjoyed learning to bake pie and experimenting with recipes. Many times when I spontaneously felt like making a pie I found that I didn't have all the ingredients and would have to experiment. Most of the time it turns out well, sometimes it turns out great.

Today's experimental pie is Chocolate Pistachio Pie. It turned out great and I learned that pudding mix is useful for making pies. Pudding mix has sugar and cornstarch in it which are common ingredients in pie fillings. Unfortunately I can't find the cord for camera so I don't have any pictures available at the moment. :( You'll just have to trust that it looks good.


Chocolate Pistachio Pie:

1 pkg. pistachio pudding mix
3 tbsp. maple syrup
3 eggs
2 tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. Milk
1/2 c. natural pistachios
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1 Chocolate Keebler Ready Crust Pie Shell (or your favorite kind of crust/pie shell)

1. Prepare pistachios and chocolate chips: de-shell pistachios, boil in water to make the skins easier to remove. Mix with chocolate chips and chop into fine pieces.

2. Mix pudding mix, syrup, eggs, butter, vanilla, and milk in a large bowl. Then add the pistachios and chocolate chips.

3. Pour into the pie shell and bake at 350 F for 45 minutes total.

4. Watch the pie as it bakes. When the surface becomes golden brown and dome shaped you may stab a hole in the center and put slits in the pie to make the surface flat.

5. Cool it off on the counter of in the fridge, then enjoy.