Time for Pie

Tonight we came home from the theater to black bottom pie. I realize this was not on last night's candidate list, but as we ran some errands today we decided to use the gift certificate to Croshaw's Gourmet Pies. Unfortunately, we didn't arrive until nearly 1 p.m., so the selection had dwindled a bit. I had hoped for rhubarb or raisin cream, but both had been sold. There were tempting citrus flavors available like key lime, lemon meringue, and sour lemon cream. Of course, fruit pies were available in apple, cherry, and strawberry, but the boysenberry was already gone. After surveying our choices we all agreed on the black bottom pie which the friendly lady behind the counter boxed up and presented for travel.

Upon arriving at the house, I slid the pie into the fridge and walked away, which wasn't easy considering the boy and I really wanted to cut it right then and there. Still, we vowed to wait until the appointed hour and went about our separate tasks. Over dinner (chicken enchiladas) we contemplated the pie, but decided again to wait until after the show per our tradition. (I'm telling you, it wasn't easy. I was even thinking about that pie during intermission.)

Finally, Blithe Spirit ended and we headed home to that lovely decadent pie waiting patiently in the fridge - and it was worth the anticipation. The crust was light and flaky, crumbling into buttery bits on the plate. The chocolate custard layer was richer than milk chocolate and had a creamy texture that was substantial but not too heavy. Next, the vanilla custard rested beautifully atop the chocolate, hugging it but not melting into it. This layer too left that creamy coating on the tongue. But the topping was the real piece of work on this pie. It tasted like heavy, luscious whipping cream, yet was denser as if it were partially made from the custard inside. In addition, where most black bottom pies have rum in them, this one smacked of amaretto making the top layer taste like a cross between cooked custard and a fluffy syllabub. Of course the chocolate drizzled across the top didn't hurt either. Heavenly!

While I'm sorry to say the play did not live up to my expectations, dessert was not disappointing in the least. It was every bit as good a pie as I could make, only better because I didn't have to. Had we paid for the pie it would have tallied in at $8.99 plus tax, so it isn't likely we'll be buying many desserts at Croshaw's. Still, for anyone who has more money than time, this is definitely the place to go for treats that taste better than homemade.