Fudge Pie

A chocolate lovers delight, the recipe below makes a delicious Fudge Pie that is similar to brownies. When prepared just right, the finished product will be moist and chewy with a light buttery flavor.

Ingredients: 1 Pie Crust (made the night before)

1 Cup Sugar

1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour

3 Tbls. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/2 Cup Butter (1 stick)

2 Eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Unwrap your pre-made Dough and place onto a Floured surface

Then rolling back and forth and side to side, start flattening the Dough into a circle

Remember to flip the Dough every couple of rolls and to re-flour the table and rolling pin to prevent sticking

Once the Dough gets a certain size it will be too thin to turn by hand without causing tears, so roll one edge onto your rolling pin and use the leverage to help flip the Dough 

Continue rolling the Dough until it is 1/8 inch thick and larger than the pie pan

Using the same method from earlier, roll the Dough onto the rolling pin to help lift it into the pan

Lay the Dough evenly across the top and gently form to the shape of the pan

Using a fork, press the Dough against the pan to flute the edge

Then using a sharp knife, trim away any excess Dough hanging over the side

The Dough is now ready to *blind bake (pre-bake) 

Place pie weights (or dry beans) into the bottom to keep the crust from bubbling and bake in a pre-heated oven at 325 F for 8-10 minutes or until it starts to brown

While the crust pre-bakes, combine together in a large bowl the Flour

Sugar

And Cocoa Powder, then set aside

Stir the Butter over medium heat until melted, DO NOT BOIL

Once melted, combine the Butter into the dry mix

Then the Eggs

And lastly the Vanilla, mix thoroughly

Pour the Batter evenly into the pre-baked crust

Once filled, place into the pre-heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the middle sets (no longer liquid)

Once the pie is removed from the oven, the middle will be puffed up, let it cool for 3 hours to overnight so the middle shrinks back down

After the Pie has cooled, cut into slices and enjoy with whip cream, ice cream, or any of your favorite toppings.

This wasnt the best looking pie I've ever made, but it turned out just as delicious as all the others. 

*Pay close attention to the Crust as it pre-bakes, mine developed a air pocket that bubbled up in the finished pie, but didn't affect the flavor. 

Pie Dough

Pie Dough is simple enough to make, but just as easy to screw up if you aren't paying attention. The recipe below makes a nice buttery, crispy, flaky dough that is pretty much fool proof. I use it for all of my Pie recipes and sometimes Empanadas. Just follow all the directions and you'll be well on your way to delicious non-store bought pies in no time. 

Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick)

1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 Cup Cold Water

In a large bowl combine together the Flour

And Salt

Cut the Butter into cubes and add to the Flour

Blend together until resembling coarse crumbs (If you don't have a pastry blender, use two forks)

Pour in half the water (you may not need it all) and mix together until it starts to hold together

Roll the Dough into a ball

Then wrap in plastic wrap (I use plastic store bags) and chill for 1 hour to overnight

Tomorrow I'll be using this Dough in my next post to make a Fudge Pie.

Easy Biscuits

Biscuits are a very versatile food, they can be smeared with butter, covered in gravy, jelly, honey, or just enjoyed by themselves. One of my favorite things to use them for is making Pigs in a Blanket with Hot dogs and Cheese mixed in to the Dough before baking.

Ingredients: 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

3 tsp. Baking Powder

2 Tbls. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1/3 Cup Oil

2/3 Cup Milk

In a large bowl, combine together the Flour

Baking Powder

Sugar

And Salt then set aside

Next Measure out the Milk and Oil

Then combine them together, DO NOT MIX

The Oil Should sit on top of the Milk

Pour the liquid into the dry mix

Mix together lightly until moistened

Pour the Dough onto a lightly Floured surface

Knead one to two times until a ball forms

Roll the Dough to 1/2 inch thickness

Then dip a cup into Flour so it wont stick and use it to cut out the Biscuits

Place them on a UNGREASED baking sheet

Once they are all cut and ready, place into a preheated oven at 475 F

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to brown

Remove them from the pan once taken out of the oven to prevent over cooking, then add your favorite topping and enjoy. 

Ive made this Biscuit recipe several times before, theyre simple to make and quick, plus each time they are consistent and delicious. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do.

Mounir's & Therese

34 S Broadway

Lawrence, MA 01843

(978) 682-1380

Located on a busy street between Dunkin Donuts and a Scuba Diving shop, Mounir's & Therese Middle Eastern/American Cuisine is a wonderful restaurant to go to if your looking for quality food without the high prices. They offer a wide range of dishes from Philly Cheese Steaks to Lamb Kabobs and everything in between, including one of the best Baklavas I have ever had. Family owned and operated for over twenty years, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about everything listed on the menu and can help you decide what to order if your having a hard time making up your mind. The food is delicious and consistent, and the older gentleman who works the counter always has a story to share while you wait. The only problem I have with this establishment is the bland out-dated interior, the walls are pretty bare of anything but the menu and a TV tuned to the local news, while all the tables and chairs are old fashioned and in need of resurfacing to hide the cracks and stains. Other than that, this is the place to be on the weekend once the bars have all let out for the night.Overall I give Mounir's a 9 out of 10. 

Baklava, Fried Chicken Wings, and a Steak Bomb