Lauriol Plaza.

Yeah, if you know what I'm talking about, you understand that this place needs no explanation. To those of you who don't know, it's the best TexMex around. They have this steak that comes with a garlic sauce and is topped in spanish onions. It's most possibly the greatest dish on earth. And don't get me started on their margaritas...

When Kim asked me if I wanted to get together and catch up, I knew it would be the perfect place to go. Cool vibe, good food, great drinks! We decided on the margaritas, and, of course, I got the "Swirl." The way it looks in the glass, with it's layers of strawberry and lime laid out on top of each other, it's definitely a treat for the eyes. And the taste...heavenly.

So how awesome was it when I realized I could make a Strawberry Margarita Pie? Martin, the local liquor store owner, didn't quite believe me when I was picking up my tequila and triple sec.
...though he did ask me if I could bring some business cards down...

Oh man this pie is so awesome. Strawberries, tequila, lime, and a graham cracker crust... I'm actually eating a slice right now. It makes me want to be on a beach somewhere warm listening to Jimmy Buffett; The golden sun shining down making me happy. Or, wait! Could it be the pie making me happy? I'd best put this pie back in the fridge now. I've gotta wake up early for work and I don't want to be stuck with a hangover. Though, the way this tastes, it might be worth it.



And just to remind everyone, or let anyone new know: check out my first posting to see my current list of pies. Then read the other postings to see what I've added since. And remember, there's always time for a slice.

His Preciousssss...

Ahh Valentine's Day...The sweet smell of Romance. Wait! That's not romance: That's Snickers Pie!

A pie made out of snickers? Yes indeed! Well, somewhat... You see, Sumo LOVES snickers. I think he carries one with him everywhere he goes just incase he desires that chocolatey, carmely, peanuty goodness. If I try to touch this candybar, the jealous rage bursts from his being as if he's Gollum with the ring. So I decided I wanted to attempt a type of pie that incorporates his beloved precious.

I did some research and found a blog of a woman who participates in something called the Daring Bakers. (The Daring Bakers are a group of people who love to bake and love challenges. I'm serious, after checking out these blogs, I don't think there's anything these people won't at least try.) Well, after checking out her blog for a few minutes, I found a recipe for what she calls Snickers Pie. It looked fantastic and sounded easy enough to try out.

So, after doing some grocery shopping for a few ingredients I don't keep around the house (including the snickers themselves), I was underway. First, I made a graham cracker crust. I topped this crust with a thick layer of chocolate fudge. This decadent layer was sprinkled with half inch sized bites of the love of Sumo's life. Of course, I cut too many bites, so I shoved my face with the remainder...Then, I topped it with something a bit different: cheesecake. After baking this masterpiece, I slathered on a layer of homemade chocolate frosting and a handful of red sprinkles.

It looked perfect! It actually was a masterpiece. I had never made anything like this before. All of the layers of candy! How could this not be fantastic? Well, lucky for me, Sumo loves cheesecake: I hate it.

Oh but that chocolate fudge! Delicious! I want to make a pie out of only that. Or just make that fudge and eat it with a spoon.

Maybe next weekend.


Oh, and to let you know: He loved the pie. He was so happy I made it for him, that I think he even forgot it housed his precious. For that night, I was his precious.

A Slice and a Run/The Best Gift

In the dark depths of my cupboard lies a scary thing: Crunchy chocolate and sugary sweet vanilla cream. These things hiding... they're dangerous. They make me want to do things. Things like get a glass of milk, tear them in half and dunk them. These things are fantastic. These things are wonderful. These things are Oreos.

So great, infact, are these things, that a pie made of them is almost too delicious to handle. I mean, come on: Oreo cookies ground into crumbs, shoved into the bottom of a pie pan; a creamy filling of vanilla and more cookies. It's almost too good to be true. One bite of this pie and I knew my sneakers would be begging me to go for a run.

And run I did. That elliptical machine had me going. 35 minutes later and I'm still not sure I worked off all of the calories that went into that one delicious slice of cookies and cream pie. I don't care though. That slice was worth it. Pure unadulterated joy. Sigh...

Now on to other things: As all of the women who are reading this are aware, Valentine's day is this Saturday. For all the men who are reading this: It means you need to go shopping.

Some advice for the men who completely forgot about this (rather obnoxious) holiday: Women like chocolate. No, wait. Scratch that. Women LOVE chocolate! So why not buy her a pie? A chocolate silk pie with a raspberry drizzle sauce to be exact. But where might you find this delectable sounding pie? Why, at Straight From The Pie Hole! Your friendly neighborhood pie shop is trying out something new for Valentine's day. And what sounds better than a chocolate silk pie? It's not fuzzy like a teddy bear. Nor is it cheesey like the promise ring you were thinking about getting her. It's chocolate. And if you're lucky, she just might let you have a slice. It's a win for both of you! (Sumo, this idea is for men other than yourself. If you ask me to make my own Valentine's day present...)

Well, folks, that's all for this weeks update. Please tune in next Monday night for the next chapter of...Straight From The Pie Hole. And remember, there's always time for a slice!

The Start Of Something Delicious

Growing up, my family had quite a large impact on my life: Who I am, what I want to do, who I wish to become. Maybe most importantly, however, what I want to eat. No one holds a candle to my Mom's soups (seriously, she should go into catering; Or just move here and feed me). And my Grandma's macaroni - Oh man!... So, it makes total sense to me that I would enjoy cooking.

But baking? And more on that, Pies? I mean, my Grandma made the occasional cherry pie and her meringue was pretty tasty, but it's not like pie was something I grew up with, ingrained in my blood, cinnamon and sugar coarsing through my veins.

Where did this deep love come from? Was it the raspberry bush in our backyard? or, maybe, the endless hours of blueberry picking my sister and I were forced into to learn a bit about making and saving money? Thinking of the latter, I think I'll cut blueberries from my list. But, ya know? I have a feeling those stupid berries taught me something about quality fresh fruit. Still, an ipod would have been nice in 1995.

I don't know how it happened, but it happened. I wish my family was closer now, so they could eat some of the delicious pies I make, and know that my inspiration, probably, somehow or another, came from them.

I decided to start this blog as a weekly tribute to my pies. To keep not only my family, but my friends and customers as well, up to date on what's going on here at Straight from the Pie Hole. It's a busy time of year, for sure, but you can always spare a minute for a slice.

A list of current pies (I use fresh ingredients, so you'll find seasonal delights only):

Apple
Apple Cranberry
Banana Cream
Caramel Apple
Coconut Cream
Cookies and Cream
Dark Chocolate Cream
French Apple
French Mocha
Lemon Chess
Mississippi Mud
Oatmeal Pecan
Pear w/ Caramel Sauce
Peanut Butter
Pineapple Cream Cheese
Pumpkin
Raisin
Shoo-fly
Vanilla Cream

All pies can be made with either regular, chocolate cookie, vanilla cookie, or graham cracker crusts. All sell for $20.

Please check back next week to see what crazy antics we're cooking up!
And to my family: Thanks. I love you. Now, buy yourself a pie!