Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Pie I left Behind Me




While I was in Alaska dancing with bears, serenading the otters and discussing my plans for world domination with the mooses, I discovered a pie that changed my life.




And ya'll know how much I like pie.

After depleting Alaska of its halibut supply (have I mentioned I love halibut?), Daddy took us to a 50s style Alaskan diner promising me macaroni and cheese and fried chicken.



There was no fried chicken, but there was something better: chicken pot pie.





I love chicken pot pie. I adore chicken pot pie. But much to my embarrassment, I've never made a real chicken pot pie. My version of chicken pot pie is cream of chicken soup, chopped chicken and a can of peas and carrots with biscuits. Hey, I've told ya'll I'm not a real cook. Don't judge me.


Now this chicken pot pie was some of the greatest I've ever had. The chicken was soft and creamy, the vegetables were tasty and there was plenty of "gravy." I was determined to recreate this pie I had been dreaming and drooling over for the past six months.




You can guess what happened next.




My Alaskan diner pot pie somehow morphed into a Ben-tweaked creation. And since one pie is great, four mini pies would be even greater, right?




Sunday night, we mixed up the roux and vegetables.




Then Monday, I made the pie dough from scratch and steamed the chicken with some seasoning. Yes, I baked the pies in my ice-cream cone looking dessert bowls. What's your point? I like pink.



The results? Was this the Alaskan pie I had dreamed of and salivated over for months?


I wasn't the only one who couldn't wait to find out.





The pie was delectable. It was delicious. It was wonderful.

But it still needs some tweaking, so I'm not going to post a recipe. Like the meat pies, I see a re-do coming again. It needed a lot more spices, a lot less pie dough ( I can't believe I'm saying that) and that certain Alaskan something.


Don't worry, pie o' mine. I'm coming for you. Stay tuned for further developments...

Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! We have a new Miss Pickles tomorrow and the second edition to Bizzy on Saturday. Are you ready to find out who's watching her from the kitchen?

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is the 3rd post about chicken pot pie I've read this week. I think that is a sign... I need to get me some chicken pot pie!

Marie Rayner said...

I can't wait to see who's watching Bizzy from the kitchen. Your chicken pot pies look fabulous Duckie!!! I have a secret set of herbs and spices I use when I make mine. I can let you know privately! I love your ice cream bowl pie plates, haha. It's sooo you!!! And Ben . . . he looks just like one of my own boys watching the oven in anticipation! They always did that! I sent you a nice long juicy e-mail, and I know you are saying to yourself, It's about time!! haha. I haven't even had time for much blog reading this past week or so, but I have managed to just keep up with yours! I adore you as you know. XXOO

Christo Gonzales said...

this looks pretty good - I cant "see" spices so who knew? I have an idea - just try a top crust next time - hmmmm you got me thinking

Lucy..♥ said...

Yummy!!! Those look just great;-)

April said...

They look divine!! Love the ice cream bowls too! It just adds a little character!

sassy stephanie said...

Invisible friends. You are too cute.

I love chicken pot pie. Mmmmm. Looks like hubs loves it too!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I"m not a pot pie fan...I thnk it was trauma from the frozen ones my parents would feed us when they went out. But I am starting to get curious, I may have to try them now.

Maria said...

Great job on the pot pies!! Glad you enjoyed them!

Marjie said...

I love pot pie, but I made it once on the fourth day of turkey leftovers. OMG, you'd have thought I was serving rat poison. The boys looked like they were hunting for a rope and a tree.

Aleta said...

Ohhh, I love halibut too!!! The first time I tried it was when I went to California and it was simply delicious!

All this talk about Alaska makes me want to go back on the cruise. My family took a trip to Alaska and loved it.

Looking forward to your recipe!!

Kitt said...

Yum! I don't think I've ever had a chicken pot pie that didn't come from the freezer section, but between you and Smitten Kitchen, I may have to see what all the fuss is about.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Those pies look delicious! I love that you made them in individual serving dishes. So Cute! I want the recipe! My family would love those.

Pam said...

Pot pies are my very favorte. I love the flaky crust - it's the best part. Great recipe.

Theresa said...

I guess hubby can't wait for his chicken pot pie!!! I like your in-prov with the ice cream bowls. Please tweek the recipe soon!

Sharon said...

Ooh, I love chicken pot pie as well! It's one of our favorites though I've never made my own homemade dough (gasp!) Yours looks so tasty & cute in those bowls!

Unknown said...

delicious

nikkicrumpet said...

I give you massive kudos for even trying to create something like that. I stick to Marie Callendars in the box and to my microwave!

Anonymous said...

I agree chicken pot pie is really good. I can't wait for your perfected recipe! :)

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Now that I think of it, I have never made a chicken pot pie either and I cook almost everyday.Now you are making me crave one! Nice dancing bear picture.

Chef E said...

Looks like good pie to me! I am from Texas too! I saw you on doggybloggy -E

Paula said...

Well, this version of pie o'mine looks pretty darn good! You earn major cool marks for trying to recreate your Alaskan heaven in a pie. Looking forward to the further developments! PS: Love the pink bowl! My girls would proclaim that they have dibs on the pie in pink!

Anonymous said...

You should make that bunny a regular on your blog. I'm still laughing about him!

tiarastantrums said...

I love that you did everything from scratch!!

grace said...

if i can't have apple pie or blueberry pie or brown sugar pie, chicken pot pie is the next best thing. nicely done. :)

Dee said...

I'll take my pie every and any which way, thanks. The pink ice cream bowl is MINE :)

tavolini said...

mmmmmm pot pie! I want some pot pie!

Cakelaw said...

This looks great - where can I find a ben to make me pot pie and other stuff?? I like your bowls, 'cuz pink is obviously the best colour ever (IMHO).

Amanda said...

Ooohhh, groan, I was waiting for the recipes... drooling in anticipation. LOL Guess I will have to wait!

Bunny said...

I love meat pies Duckie, the more dough the better so yours would be perfect for me!!

Esi said...

That is a great crust on the pot pie.

Live.Love.Eat said...

Oh how those mini pies look delicious. I am a sucker for a mini. I am so glad you're all set with the linky. You owe me big time :) now get in the kitchen and make me some pie. hah, just kidding, it was my pleasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!