Giving and sharing.
This is something I’ve wanted to do and write about for a long time but it just didn’t feel right. Now it feels right, but I wish it didn’t have to happen this way.
For those that don’t know, the world and our little food blogging community suffered a sudden and tragic loss on August 7, 2011. Mikey, the husband of Brooklyn food blogger, writer, recipe developer Jennifer (Jennie) Perillo passed away of a heart attack while on a bike ride with one of their two young daughters.
When I heard the news, I was in shock, numb and shivering. Just earlier in the day, Jennie was tweeting about making marinara sauce and counting down the days until their vacation in Cape Cod. I had even just seen her a mere seven days ago at Big Summer Potluck 2. It was all fun and good times and now this?
I don’t understand how the world works sometimes. And I certainly won’t try and write about how she and her family must be feeling. I cannot comprehend that pain.
I know Jennie is an incredible woman but I truly had no idea of her resolve and inner strength until I read this post entitled “For Mikey” a few days ago. How she put these words together is a mystery to me, but it goes to prove her Superwoman skills. This peanut butter pie was Mikey’s favorite and she is asking everyone to make this in his honor and share it with the people they love on Friday, the day of his memorial service.
I knew I was going to make this pie, but I felt like this was finally the time to give and share. Maybe, just maybe a group of people could bite into the decadent peanut butter and cream cheese frosting with a cookie, peanut, chocolate crust and forget their own pain for at least as long as it takes them to lick their plate clean.
I gave Mikey’s Pie to a women’s shelter.
I’ve often thought about donating the food I make for my posts to charity, but I haven’t yet, until now. I’m searching really hard for a silver lining and honestly for Jennie and her family, there isn’t one. But I know now that when I have a tupperware of 36 cookies or a pot full of meatballs, I’ll think about making someone else’s day a little better, if only for a bite.
Thinking of you Jennie.
Creamy Peanut Butter Pie (Recipe from Jennifer Perillo)
Serves 10 to 12
- 8 ounces chocolate cookies
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 ounces finely chopped chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup creamy-style peanut butter
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Add the cookies to the bowl of a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Combine melted butter and cookie crumbs in a small bowl, and stir with a fork to mix well. Press mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Pour over bottom of cookie crust and spread to the edges using an off-set spatula. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate. Place pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Pour the heavy cream into a bowl and beat using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready to use. Place the cream cheese and peanut butter in a deep bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Increase speed to medium and beat until all the ingredients are combined and filling is smooth.
Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling mixture (helps lighten the batter, making it easier to fold in the remaining whipped cream). Fold in the remaining whipped cream. Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top, if using, and refrigerate for three hours or overnight before serving.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m up late working on a version of a peanut butter pie for this same reason. Your post is beautiful and so well written and moving. What a fantastic idea, to give the food to a place/people in need of nourishment in so many ways. I knew I liked you just from your tweets, but now I know why~ Here’s to remembering the important things.
I am so glad that you shared this pie and the tremendous courage of Jennie with us all Ethan. You have given me food for thought in many ways. I have wanted for so long to share food with the Food Bank but they except nothing but dried goods. The Womens Shelter is a great alternative.
Amazing post, Ethan! There is nothing better than sharing a delicious pie with those in need!
I haven’t been reading you very long, but this has to be one of the most soulful and heartfelt posts I’ve read in a very long time.
I didn’t know Jennifer except for occasional Twitter postings I would catch, but I heard about the horrific events from a few days ago and am still stunned by it. And “Last Dance” that she posted had me in tears. How does this happen? The world is both so bleak and yet so beautiful.
The pie looks beautiful. I’m sure the women will enjoy it!
*sniff*. There are no words, Ethan. You’re a beautiful person.
My sincerest condolences to you, Jennie and her family. Though it is such a sad story, you have written such a beautiful and heartwarming piece Ethan. *hugs*
This is fantastic. Those women are lucky that you were thoughtful enough to give them something from your heart. And this cake, of all the cakes, has a meaning that they don’t know about but surely understand. Thanks for this post.
Such a lovely, thoughtful gesture — a way to bring a little light to the heartache.
What a special way to share your gift… of words and food. Thank you!
sharing food is one of the greatest gifts we can give Ethan – your blog name says that . . . an absolutely fitting tribute to Mikey!! hugs, hugs, hugs and even though i wasn’t at BSP2 . . . 8-second hug!!
You are wonderful, Ethan. Not only making the pie, but giving it to women who are hurting is so generous. Many hugs to you today. xo
My friend Rebecca told me yesterday about this loss. I’m not familiar with Jennie, but the news was so incredibly sad and horrific to me. My heart goes out to her and the kids.
I think you captured Jennie’s “Superwoman” spirit perfectly by sharing this pie with others. What a perfect way to honor Jennie and remember Mikey.
Thank you for this- your post is truly heartfelt- and I share in the pain, and the hope of Jennies story.
Beautiful, heartfelt post. I love the idea that you donated this pie to bring some happiness to others from such a tragic loss.
In the depths of her grief, this amazing young woman was able to reach out to the world and bring comfort. Especially to those of us who did not know her personally yet were searching for some way to let her know that were are sharing in her loss. Jennifer’s humble request to honor her husband with his favourite pie has reached across States, Provinces, Countries and Continents. In some ways, it has become THE comfort food. Bringing some comfort to not only Jennie, her family and friends, but also to strangers, who when reading her words *For those asking what they can do to help my healing process, make a peanut butter pie this Friday and share it with someone you love* We knew that we had found the way to reach out to her. We all baked this pie to let Jennie and her family know that she is loved, cared and thought about and that we are grieving for her tragic loss and praying for her. A pie baked by loved ones and by strangers. A pie shared both with loved ones and strangers. Her simple request and this simple pie has galvanized an international community in a manner I’ve never seen before. It is uplifting and profoundly heartwarming. May Jennie and her family know that this community will always be there for her and her family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so beautifully and especially for sharing your pie.
So glad you shared this story about Jennie, and about sharing your pie. I have often thought about sharing my kitchen goodies as well. Jason takes many of my wares into work and shares them with his soldiers…you have inspired me to do that more often, not necessarily with leftovers, but things I make just for them.
Thank you for the reminder to do something for other people. You are wonderful.
Take care.
You have such a beautiful heart. The world needs more of your kind.
Ethan -
Your results are gorgeous. What a fantastic idea to donate the pie.
Kathy
What a lovely post. And a brillant idea to donate the pie. I hope all our pies help Jennie in the days to come.
So touching, Ethan. I think it’s a wonderful thing that you donated the pie… don’t know why I haven’t thought to do that either.
This was a wonderful way to honor Mikey.
Beautiful post Ethan! What a wonderful idea to give the pie to the shelter. I have been inspired by you and so I am bringing the pie that I make today to my dad’s blood drive on Sunday (apparently it’s good to get the blood sugar back up after donating!) So thanks for this fantastic post and I’m sure those women really appreciated it!!
You know there’s no words…. but there are lots of ((hugs)). I love that you donated the pie. It speaks strongly to Jennie’s spirit. What a wonderful way to remember Mikey. She is lucky to have you as a friend, in fact we’re all so very lucky. Beautifully written post, thank you for sharing with us!
I know that your donation touched so many, Ethan. A beautiful tribute, indeed.
I’m sure your donation was very appreciated and enjoyed. Very thoughtful post.
I felt the same feelings as you did when I heard the news about Mikey. It’s such a tragedy and Jennie is a superwoman for posting about him. She is so brave.I just love this post and bless your heart for donating the pie.
such a well-written post and so true.
If you look to donate treats again Gilda’s Club in Toronto will always take stuff. It’s a home for women and their families dealing with cancer.
You are such a gentleman, Ethan. I am glad to have met such a good person.
Ethan, you are a mensch indeed. What a beautiful gesture.
I am sure you sweetened up the day for some people who could use some warmth their way.
I love what you did Ethan. I have contacts at a couple of senior citizens centers where I donate baked goods. I could not begin to eat the goodies I make by myself! Until recently I had some young, recent college graduates sharing the house next door and they benefited from my bounty but to be honest, I love this better. There is such a joy on the faces of the older folks I visit…not just for the cookies but for just a small bit of my time.
What a beautiful post and a beautiful gesture, Ethan! We cannot ease Jennie’s pain, but sharing Mikey’s favorite pie will connect us in a completely different way.
I am not at home now and I cannot find peanut butter, but as soon as I come back to my home town in Serbia, I will bake something and take it to the oncology ward in the hospital where my mom is.
I think it’s a fabulous way to give back. I’d never thought of taking my food that I test for my blog to a woman’s shelter and now I want to find one near-by to donate to. What a wonderful tribute to Jennie, Mikey and their girls.
Such a sweetheart! I bet they loved it, even if they were surprised.
thank you for that eloquent posting. and what a beautiful gesture. i made 3 pies that day (well really the day before) but i gave each one to 3 different friends that all needed a little perk. but you remind me that just baking a pie or making anything for anyone that needs some affection would be a great idea. go you.
I love that you made the pie and gave it to a women’s shelter. It is such a wonderful tribute to Mikey. You are such a sweetheart, and many hugs.
One of the best pb pie postings I have seen. What a great way to honor both Jennie and Mikey. A small sweet gesture can make earth changing ripples…thanks for starting the wave
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