that is the sign of a life well lived

These last few days, while down in Arkansas, Dottie and Ray and I have had numerous discussions about Aunt Mabel's chocolate pie.

Mostly about how delicious it was and how vividly we remember her making it for us when she came up from Louisiana to visit us in South Carolina, sometime around 1968 or 69. 

As soon as we got home from the trip, the recipe came out for a test run.  It has been many many years since I made it.  

Aunt Mabel is seated to the left of Dad in the white wicker chair. Aunt Pauline and Aunt Lois are to the left of her. Dad's sisters loved their baby brother. There was nothing they wouldn't do for him. Including making things like fried chicken, biscuits, and pie.

Thanks for you help with the meringue Christy. It's good to have a pie maker to consult when needed.    

This is NOT a gourmet chocolate pie. What it is is simple, wonderful, easy, and full of love from Aunt Mabel. 

If you want something fancy, don't make this. If you want something special, do make this. 

If 26 years after you are dead and gone, someone remembers that you made really good chocolate pie, and left amazingly generous portions in the pot for your nieces who were licking the pot, I would say that is the sign of a life well lived. 

Recipe below as it was told to me by Aunt Mabel.  

Comments

[jacki long]

Indeed! Perfect.

[Maria]

I love everything about your chocolate pie from the card the recipe is printed on to the lovely handwriting to the ingredients all around. Reminds me that I have to get out Aunt Anita's Golden Sponge Cake recipe and her Gingerbread recipe soon after that.

[Emie]

Ahhh... food memories! Most,if not all, my memories are related to food. Granny was from KY and owned several restaurants over the years. My most requested dish was KY Hot Brown!!! Oh, and always fried chicken. I still have and use her iron skillet she used to make cornbread. My favorite heirloom by far.

[Carolyn Dietridh]

Save me a piece! I'll be right there! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. I love chocolate pie.

[carol]

Clearly good food memories are important. Emie - we had a hot brown when we were in Kentucky and LOVED it. Carolyn I have your piece of pie cut and waiting. Maria - I love the name "Anita's Golden Sponge Cake" - perfect.

[Michelle]

My Grandma made a chocolate pie that we miss dearly. I don't recall a meringue topping, but her crust was to die for. I may have to give Aunt Mabel's recipe a try. Whose image is overlapping your Dad's in the photo? (Lower right. Do you see it?)

[Carol]

Yes Michelle, that’s his sister Lois.