In Praise of Pie.
Remember the fried pies McDonald's used to serve back in the '70s? The tasty treats were a personal favorite of mine, even more tantalizing than Happy Meals. I always tried to talk the adults I was with into purchasing one for me. There was something about the texture, the flavor, the sheer warmth and scent of a hot pie that made me happy.
Of course, times changed. Restaurants started going healthy. "Fried" became a dirty word. The delectable temptation under the Golden Arches disappeared and I stopped frequenting the franchise.
Over the years, I've tried all sorts of pies -- meringue, cream, nut, fried, baked. I've had all sorts of pie configurations -- round, square, wedges, some served cold and some served hot. I've had Mile High Pie from Ed & Kay's, Ms. Lena's Fried Pies, the momentous Strawberry Pie from Strawn's in Shreveport and Boston Cream Pie at the Omni Parker House in Boston. But I never found that first love of pie again.
That is, until earlier this month, when on a Saturday evening I happened to find an old friend in an unexpected place, a barbeque joint here in Little Rock. My joy in finding this blessing on a plate was only equalled by the more than reasonable price for the bubbling hot wonder.
I am a sucker for pies in any shape or form, and after dining on brisket and twice-baked stuffed potato I craved another sweet offering from the dessert menu. And for $1.25, how could I go wrong with a hot peach pie?
The place -- Cross Eyed Pig BBQ off Highway 10 in West Little Rock, behind NYPD Pizza. I was told it would take a few minutes to prepare the pie, so I sat down and joined in conversation with my traveling companion.
Within minutes, the pie had arrived -- a crispy, golden pocket of goodness served up with a pile of whipped cream on the side. It was very hot and the aroma drew memories out of hiding in my mind.
Somehow or another, Cross Eyed Pig has managed to recreate a childhood favorite right down to the crispy bubbles on the surface. The hot pies are perfectly augmented with the cool cream and a real bargain for someone who wants to make a trip down memory lane.
With pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, apple, and all sorts of other pies adorning the sideboard this Thanksgiving, do you have a special memory of pie to share? Your comments are hereby solicited. And... happy Thanksgiving!
Comments
My grandmother always made me chocolate meringue at Christmas time. Meringue three inches high. I was always fascinated by the meringue. I ate that, and pretty much all meringue pies the same way today. Meringue first, experiencing the lightness and sweetness, and then the denser creamery filling. The crust last may not be consumed depending on the quality of it.
Posted by: Chris Finklea![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 27, 2008 08:36 PM
The only vice I do not possess is that I do not have a sweet tooth. I don't care for dessert and so I don't eat much pie or cake.
We made the decision to terminate life support on one of my aunts who had just undergone emergency surgery in a rural hospital North of here.
As you might imagine, it was a heart rending process for both myself and my Uncle. When it was over we returned to the little family room where we had kept vigil the previous 3 days. After a few minutes we heard a knock on the door.
2 nurses came in bearing pieces of coconut creme pie. They said they knew my Uncle had been through a lot an they just thought we needed something to make us feel better.
Like I said, I am not partial to dessert and I really don't care for coconut creme pie. But I have to say that was the best damn piece of pie I have ever eaten.
Such a kindness will not soon be forgotten by either my uncle or by me.
Posted by: bopbamboom![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 28, 2008 09:44 AM
Looks delish - I shall try this and of course the main menu samplings first!
thanks
Posted by: yapperjohn![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 29, 2008 08:16 AM
The best place in town to get a good fried pie is Burge's in the Heights - 5620 R street, 501.666.1660. there is also a second location (actually the orginal) in Lewisville, AR on HWY 29.
Posted by: hamster![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 4, 2008 12:02 PM