My brother Ron, however, loved it. At his last job, he had instituted Pi Day festivities, sending out invites months ahead and rallying everyone to join in on a silly mid-week celebration. In fact, he loved anything quirky or odd or just plain stupid like Pi Day. That's just the kind of guy he was.
Ron passed away suddenly last year, and pretty much nothing has been right since. He was one of my best friends, and I think he was finally starting to see me as an adult and not his stupid kid sister. He was the one who was constantly finding things to share with me - YouTube videos, new TV shows, weird catchphrases - and this past year has been awkward trying to find and enjoy these things on my own. I've been left with a lot of sad memories, which I know he would have hated.
Pi Day, though. That's a thing he loved for no real reason other than it was quirky. It's something I can be damned sure I'm going to celebrate for the rest of my life because it made him happy. And if pie can't fix things, even just for a little while, then I don't know what else can.
Because I'd much rather remember Ron on a day like today, for reasons like pie.
Bacon Chocolate Cream Pie
1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos (about 15 cookies broken in a food processor)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 pint heavy cream
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla paste
1 package chocolate pudding, prepared as directed
5 pieces candied bacon, chopped
Mix together crushed oreos and butter until all the crumbs are moist. Gently pat into the bottom and sides of a pie dish. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a mixer, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don't overwhip the cream. Gently fold half the whipped cream into the pudding and pour into the prepared pie dish. Top with the remaining whipped cream and decorate with the chopped bacon. Chill before serving.
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm happy that you can celebrate something silly like Pi Day in a happy remembrance of your brother.
ReplyDeleteThis pie looks amazing! I'm very sad that Ron isn't able to join you in eating it and having a laugh at that awesome pie plate. It's wonderful that you're celebrating today and having happy memories of Ron. I give you a big hug, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, guys :)
ReplyDeleteMel, who do you think gave me the pie plate?
Aw, Ron had some good taste right there (pun intended). That pie plate is hyyyysterical!
ReplyDeletePie Day was once again celebrated where Ron used to work. His colleagues brought in and shared a selection of pies, as well as fond memories of Ron.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally making this tonight. Cheers to Ron and keeping him with us through these fun traditions.
ReplyDeletePie - It's a lovely pie with decadent ingredients galore. I'm sure your brother would be very proud of your efforts! Thank you for sharing your memories of him with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to honor your brother! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Pam, sorry that we did not know about your sadness, hugs and kisses from your old friends in Troop 1775.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Pam,
ReplyDeleteThat is a Ron recipe if I ever saw one! Can't wait to try it. Jason and I often have quirky dishes that Ron introduced us to (fried egg on pizza anyone?) or talk about new things he would have liked.
We're thinking of you and your family - our best to all of you.
I miss him. We had a nice pi day at work and I thought of him while eating pi.
ReplyDeleteThis recipe looks sooo good. I'm going to give it a try this weekend when my friends are visiting. I'm sure they will all love it. :-)
ReplyDelete