Peach Pie Ponderings.

We had a big ole throw down Fourth out at my parents...

The kind where my mom was blessed to have children who invited their in-laws to her house to blow hundreds of dollars worth of fireworks up in smoke...

Mom was afraid we would run out of food. Let's just say there was no danger of THAT happening.

Did you know I have a peach tree? It's tiny. However, we had a bumper crop for such a tiny tree. The branches were dragging the ground. I picked peaches and headed to my folks Friday evening...

Since Mom was afraid she would run out of food, and due to the fact that my dad threatened to throw out her apricots if she didn't start doing something with them, (apparently he was overlooking the jars of jelly and apricot sauce she canned last week) Mom decided to bake some pies.

Look at that pie! Isn't it gorgeous? Doesn't it look like someone who knows what they're doing made it? Like a real pie baker type person?

Now, let's transition to my pie....

I love a flaky crust. However, in my vast pie baking experience, (which isn't all that vast, as I only make pies about 6 times a year) a flaky crust is more difficult to work with. It often turns out a tad ugly. And the crust tears. And it's hard to repair....

Desperation can lead to all sorts of creativity...

My crust had all sorts of flaws. So, I decided to cut out stars (with the help of my sister) to mask the flaws...Aren't I clever?

And, now, for your reading edification, I will share a conversation between my sister Paula and I, as I make this masterpiece of a peach pie...

Paula: So, what are you going to put in this pie?

Me: Peaches.

Paula (pausing, looking thoughtful): Are we supposed to put something else in there?

Me: Nah..... At least, I don't think so. You just put peaches in a cobbler, so I'm guessing you just put peaches in a pie.

Paula appears doubtful, but as she is NOT the bossy sister in this family, she diplomatically drops it. Let's have a moment of silence and admiration for people who know better, but are able to keep their mouths shut....

And let their sister learn on her own....

Confession: I have never made a peach pie. The cook book was on the counter next to me. But, clearly, looking at an actual RECIPE for peach pie was entirely too much trouble....

Fast forward to evening...Mom is industriously scrubbing on a cookie sheet.

Me: What got all over that?

Mom: Oh, one of the pies overflowed. It started dripping in the oven, then I put this in to catch the rest.

Me: Oh. Was it my pie? I noticed that it looked like it had boiled over. (I had left the pie in my mom's capable hands while I went to spend a few hours at my grandma's. I love being the youngest of four children, and perfectly willing to let everyone else take care of my responsibilities...)

Mom: Yep. Those sure were juicy peaches! How much flour did you put in them to help thicken the pie?

Me: Flour? I didn't put ANY flour in there. Paula actually made mention that maybe something should go in the pie besides peaches, but I couldn't be bothered to look at an actual recipe. Or ask you. I just dumped them in, threw the other crust on, and called it good.

Mom: (Sadly, there is no dialogue to add here. She was bent over the sink laughing, unable to speak.)

However, in MY defense, I think the pie was pretty stinkin' good.

If a bit runny.