How I know my husband loves my baking

Sunday, December 5, 2010
This is an unusual time of year to post a recipe for Kentucky Derby Pie, but I like being ahead of the crowd (or behind the crowd, depending on how you look at it).  It’s another one of those recipes that my Dad copied down while listening to WJR radio when I was a kid, and it was one of my favourites when I was growing up.

Kentucky Derby Pie is now one of my own family’s favourites, and I don’t limit it to May.  It’s especially good on the second day when the chocolate has had a chance to set.  On the first day it’s tasty but still quite runny, and wouldn’t photograph well at all.

So here was the plan.  I knew I couldn’t get my family to ignore the pie for a whole day, so I told them at dinner that we’d eat half the pie that night, then I’d let the rest sit in the fridge so I could photograph it the following day.

I thought I had full agreement.  But apparently the enthusiastic nods I received were in response to the first half of my sentence. 

I came downstairs the next morning to find that a KDP fan had been eating away at the pie.  But not in the regular way, where someone trims off a slice from one side.  No, he (for we all knew who the culprit was) had scooped pie out of the middle somewhat in the shape of an oversized doughnut hole.  I was left with a narrow rim of pie to photograph.

The girls shared my dismay:

Daughter #1:  Dad!  Mom told you she wanted to take a picture for her blog!

Culprit:  Mmmmm.  I don’t think she said anything to me.

Daughter #2:  Dad!  We were all at the dinner table when she told us.

Culprit:  Hmmmm.  Are you sure I was there?

Present me with a challenge and I will solve it.  Ergo, the following photo:


Notice the three narrow strips of pie shaped together to simulate a single, regular-shaped piece.

Even more beautiful when the cracks are hidden by ice cream:


And indeed, the pie did taste fabulous the second day – what was left of it.

Kentucky Derby Pie

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
2 tsp vanilla
one pie shell (use your favorite recipe)

Combine eggs, sugar, flour, chocolate chips, pecans, butter and vanilla.  Pour into unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool for at least four hours before eating, preferably overnight.

48 comments:

Barbara said...

You are so funny! And did a great job piecing the pie together!
I've got to make this and I have a special reason. Our club has a Derby party every year and they always serve this pie. Well, certainly not THIS recipe because I think what they serve is ghastly. So, I'm going to copy this and make it and find out what a Derby pie is REALLY supposed to taste like! :)

Beth said...

Thanks, Barbara! I hope you like this recipe. A Derby party sounds like a lot of fun (but only if the pie is great!).

Angie's Recipes said...

Beth, with that chocolate and pecan loaded filling, I am sure this is one wonderful winter pie! And I love that crumbly looking pie crust too.

Valerie Gamine said...

The pie center can sometimes prove too difficult to resist...especially when it's forbidden. :P

I've never made my one Derby pie, but I've always wanted to try one. Since I trust your tastebuds, I think I'll have to give this recipe a go!

Claudia said...

This is why I rush through photos and cannot stage them. Because somebody in the home is going to gobble the food up - and that's the best compliment, isn't it? Chocolate and pecans together are sublime. Thanks for the heads-up! I like a long lead time.

Anonymous said...

That happens at my house *all* of the time! I must have had a wee tantrum a time or two, because now my Hubby asks "Is this fair game?" or "Do you need a picture of this before I eat it?" ;)

BTW--I listened to a lot of WJR growing up. Paul Harvey was always my favorite.

Carol said...

LOL! I think that no matter how you slice it, it looks fantastic!

My downfall was my grandma's pecan danish ring, my favorite part was picking the pecans out the night before.

Lorraine said...

Very funny! I can totally relate. The things we food bloggers do to get a picture, even denying our family of a wonderful treat like this...lol My teenage son is usually the culprit. I have even taken to hiding food.

I have never had Kentucky Derby Pie. It sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I think you picture looks great....way better than many of mine:)

Unknown said...

Lol, how could expect a Kentucky Derby pie would be safe unguarded overnight in your kitchen! At least you were able to patch it together and plop some whipped cream on top for your photo, thanks for sharing your recipe, it sounds and looks delicious:)

Jess said...

That's too funny! Great job finding a solution to the photo issue :)

Victoria said...

Hahaha! That's so funny! I can tell why your family can't stop eating this pie. It looks so good and easy to make. Next time you should whip up two, eat one, and hide the other :)

Julie said...

What a funny post!! The life of a food blogger, photograph first eat later :).

I would have liked a picture of the pie with the whole in the middle!!!

Katerina said...

Forget about the photo what really matters is that he liked it so much that he risked listening to all three of you scolding him after what he did! I think that is the best reward for you and your pie. By the way my husband does this all the time.

Anonymous said...

Haha - that is a great story! Love it!
And the pie you pieced back together looks really delicious to me...That is talent!

Tasha said...

You did a great job piecing it back together. I think you probably could've gotten away using the photo with the icecream without us even knowing, although it did make for a very humorous (and relatable!) post.

Anonymous said...

I think your husband was hoping you'd have to make another pie so you could take a photo! This looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

Somehow they only ever hear the "let's eat," bit and completely miss the rest of the message.

You get a 10/10 for creating a piece and completely solving the problem with ice cream. When in doubt, a la mode is The Way.

Mimi said...

Love the story! A tribute to your baking abilities. I like your creativity in piecing together a slice of pie, it looks delicious.
Mimi

Unknown said...

hehe, in one ear... out the other :) just means he enjoyed it!!

Reeni said...

I can hardly tell it was pieced together! I've always wanted to make this - and now I don't have to wait - because you said it's OK to make it now! Delicious! (I put post-its on my food saying don't eat!)

Kristen said...

The ice cream completely hid the cracks. I completely understand your dismay. My husband often is a similar culprit.

Amie Kaufman said...

Get out of town! I have never heard of KDP before. This looks like it's so simple that even I could make it, which is saying something. I sense a project this weekend. I will report back!

Jackee said...

Oh, man! That looks good! My husband is evil about taking out the middle of the pie too. Normally I don't mind since I like the crust best, but for pictures... that's not really fair of them now, is it? :o)

Thanks for visiting my blog recently so that I could find yours! Have a great day!

Joanne said...

Haha you are super crafty! I find it hard to keep my roomies away from my baked goods. I have to use "DO NOT TOUCH" post it notes. So that there is no question about the fact that the goods are NOT meant for eating.

Love the sound of this kentucky derby pie! No need to wait til May.

Faith said...

Lool! This is a very instersting story Beth! Glad your hubby loved it which is the most important thing!

Have a great week a head

Monet said...

Smile. This post made me laugh. My family loves pie, so I always have to fight them off whenever I make one. I know that if I turn my back, my picture taking ability will be gone! I imagine that this is good compliment though...we know how to make some pies! Thank you so much for sharing. I hope your week is full of joy!

Anonymous said...

I have never had Kentucky Derby Pie, in fact I am not sure that I have ever heard of it before. Too funny about being left with a teeny bit for a photo. I hate when I forget to photograph things before they get dug into! Happens to the best of us! ;)

Marc @ NoRecipes said...

I've never had a KDP, but by the sounds of it I could see how your husband risked a baker's wrath to have a few more bites.

Elina said...

Haha, well at least it's pretty obvious that this is delicious! Nice problem solving skills ;)

Krista said...

Oooh! Gotta love the Derby Pie. I understand why your husband attacked it! My family always jokes about my picture taking delaying meal times. Occupational hazard...

This pie sounds wonderful!

Anna said...

For some reason, that's how everyone in my house eats leftover pie too! It's very frustrating for sure. It took a while for everyone to learn, but now in our house the first thing someone asks when they see me baking is, "Is that for us?" and the second question usually is, "When can I eat it? Did you get a picture of it yet?"

I love your blog by the way :)

Zoe said...

Beth, I laughed reading about the story of "your pie pic" Your family is so cute with their expression on how much they love your KDP.

Love your blog because they are full of homely expressions and happy to follow you for more stories of your baking experiences.

Rowena said...

Very clever! If you hadn't mentioned the narrow strips I would never have known. I've never made KDP before but after reading the ingredients, I am certain that my other half could not resist second helpings either.

shaz said...

How funny! I hope the culprit was suitably remorseful. You did a fabulous job of camouflage and I wouldn't have known any different from that ice-cream covered shot. I've never had KD pie before, so thanks for the recipe. I am going to have to make it because it has pecans and chocolate, two of my favourite ingredients

nancy at good food matters said...

Very funny! It's happened to me, too. Those pesky culprits!
I haven't made a Kentucky Derby Pie in Years---and it is so delicious---thanks for jarring my memory.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful pie with chocolate chips and pecans, very delicious!

Carolyn said...

Oh my goodness, I think this might be one of the funniest things I've ever heard! Like a little mouse, he was just going back for nibble after nibble! You still managed to pull off decent photos, but I hope he's still in the doghouse for that one ;)

Anonymous said...

I had never even heard of this pie until last week when I was working out on the treadmill and watched Paul Deen make it - holy cow, does it look insulin worthy!!

Kayte said...

My husband loves this pie as well, and I can see just such a thing happening here! Too funny...guys and food are always a winning combination for interesting things happening. Your pie looks lovely, really, it does!

Emma said...

A lovely pie! Pic looks great (I had to laugh at your story)

Karen said...

That's too funny! But a good sign that it is a very much appreciated pie! I can see why it's such a hit...it sounds fantastic. I wouldn't limit it to May either.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Funny story! I'm sure this is a much-loved pie :) I'm saving a copy!

Rita said...

What a great post!reading that recipe makes me want to have a taste. Love it when they enjoy what you have make; keeping this one(new one for me.)
Rita

FOODESSA said...

It's enough that I ask Hubby to be patient while his warm meal turns colder and the right photo shot hasn't been taken. Ask him to wait one full day without touching the dessert...impossible.
Well, I guess...you should be happy that this gobbling of your pie is a good sign...you're a great baker Beth!
Thanks for managing a slice for us to see...otherwise I would not have had a clue what a Derby pie was. I get the feeling, I'll be making this one since the ingredients look yummy ;o)

Have a fabulous week,
Claudia

Jacque said...

Oh no! Not a pie thief! I can see why the culprit was tempted though. Your pie looks wonderful.

I've always wanted to try Kentucky Derby pie.

Anonymous said...

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never even heard of a Kentucky Derby Pie, but the ingredient list sounds nummy!

Who eats pie from the middle?!? Hilarious.

HanaĆ¢ said...

Please don't laugh, but I've never heard of Kentucky Derby pie before. It sounds wonderful though: butter, chocolate! I wonder if it would taste good with almonds since I can't eat pecans.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

hehe... and I though stuff like that happened just at my house. You do get the award for well, I don't know... making parts of a pie into a perfect slice. With the ice cream it looks perfect. And now we know that it TASTES perfect too!

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