Visions of Sugar Plums - well almost -

Buttermilk Chocolate Pie
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 pre-made store-bought (9-inch) deep dish pie crust
Pre-made whipped cream, for garnish
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Place the chocolate chips in a double boiler and melt over low heat, stirring constantly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the sugar mixture and mix with an electric hand mixer or whisk vigorously. With a rubber spatula, stir the melted chocolate into the batter.
Pour batter into the piecrust; you will have about 1 cup of left-over batter. Place pie in oven on middle rack. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the pie is crisp on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out with just a bit of moist chocolate on it.
Remove from oven and cool completely. Let stand at least 1 hour before serving. If not eating immediately, refrigerate pie. This pie can be served warm or chilled. Garnish with store-bought whipped cream just before serving.






I am making this up tonite for a cook out tomorrow. we are having close to 50 folks over for a back yard celebration a few days in advance of the 4th of July. It has become an annual celebration. Each year a few more folks arrive, generally with another one or two in tow. We don't mind that - there is always have plenty of food - just bring your own lawn chair. Most will bring a covered dish. By the time everyone arrives it looks better than a buffet restaurant!

Right now I am off to visit with some dear ones who have driven three states to be here for our bash. Old friends are great. When they happen to be kin folk, it is even sweeter since we can talk about family and each other and understand exactly what is meant and implied by a gesture or word. Sort of pig latin for kin. I ought to write a book of that. I could sell it to Jeff Foxworthy perhaps and then I might even purchase a winning lottery ticket. Hey, it could happen!