Don’t you just love getting an unexpected gift? Especially one that is so perfect and one you can share with others?

Our neighbors gave us an apple pie during the holidays. We decided to serve it at our Christmas dinner instead of everyone’s favorite “Mom’s pecan pie”. As instructed we served it warm and naked – the pie, not us. To eliminate the temptation for extra toppings, ice cream and whip cream were not purchased.

After a bit of grumbling from a few of the diners, forks began clattering against the china. “This is great!” “The apples aren’t mushy.” “Wow, just the right amount of sweetness and flavor.” “Love the crust.” “You were right, ice cream wasn’t needed.” “Where did you get this?” (Though I thought about pretending, they would never believe I baked it.)

We had dished up the pie as per instructions – serve warm and no ice cream.  That would be a “sin”.  All concurred.

Blackbird Pies by Rena Askew can be had by emailing renaaskew@gmail.com for info.

A hearty thank-you to our neighbors for introducing us to the Pie Baker. Absolutely wonderful.