From the Editor's Archives: The Birthday Chocolate Cream Pie

June 02, 2020
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Malt powder makes this pie special.

This is excerpted from Jillcookshere.org, a blog that Editor, Jill Melton did between 2009 and 2013. We've revived some of the recipes for Edible, and thought we would share the (original) stories with updates. 

 

 

Poor Sam. His birthday falls exactly a week after his sister, Nora's (August 8th to be exact). And all hell breaks loose for the princess's birthday. Always has. This year it was a pizza (and beer) party for 12 of her closest friends. I made the pizzas of course. And a big caprese salad. And red velvet cake. Nora (below) set the table, because she is all about style, and knows just what she wants.

 

Photo 1: Nora, at 17, setting the table for her birthday party. Always the stylist.
Photo 2: Sam, 12 years old.

This year I made Sam (above) a chocolate cream pie for his birthday, as honestly we were all sick of cake. However Sam doesn't eat Nora's cake. In his mind it's hers. So this pie is for Sam. Whether he eats all by himself on the couch with a spoon, or shares it with Nora and her friends. Which he will do, because that's the way Sam is. Generous, thoughtful, and still my prince. Happy Birthday Sam. 

 

2020 Update 

 

Sam is now 19 (almost 20) and in college at University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is more than capable of holding his own with his sister, Nora who is 24, and will no doubt have an elaborate party for her birthday this year. It will include Quinton “Q” her boyfriend and partner in life. At this moment it is Q’s birthday and I resurrected the chocolate cream pie for him, at his request. Sam will join us for dinner and we will share the pie celebrating another chapter of our lives and another member of the family.

 

Photo 1: Sam, May 2020, dancing in the kitchen.
Photo 2: Nora and Quinton "Q" in Thailand a couple years ago after graduation from DePaul University in Chicago.

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