Delicious dessert tastes best when shared
DEAR ABBY » I lost your cookbooklet collection! My family and I have really enjoyed some of those recipes. I have loved all the ones I have tried, but my favorites are the desserts. Particularly noteworthy is your Peanut Butter Pie. It is yummy! Please let me know how I can order the booklets again. I need them because I’m having a family celebration for Father’s Day.
— Sweet Tooth in Phoenix
DEAR SWEET TOOTH » You and I have something in common — our affinity for desserts. I have made the Peanut Butter Pie for guests many times, and it has been well received. The last time I prepared it, I thought I’d try to “de-calorie” it. I drained some nonfat yogurt in cheesecloth until it thickened and substituted it for the cream cheese. It worked beautifully. My guests couldn’t tell the difference. For readers who might like to try it, here’s the original recipe:
Heavenly Peanut Butter Pie
CRUST: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1⁄4 cup butter (1⁄2 cube), melted
2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, grated FILLING: 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2teaspoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1⁄2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1⁄2 cup salted peanuts (optional)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
In medium bowl, combine cracker crumbs, butter and chocolate; mix well. Reserve ¼ cup crumb mixture to use as garnish. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate. Chill.
In large bowl, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and vanilla. Blend well.
Stir in chocolate chips and peanuts. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into chilled crust and garnish with reserved crumb mixture. Chill overnight.
Serves: 8 DISCIPLINED people.
I’m proud to say that some of the recipes included have won blue ribbons in country fairs, while others were featured on the cover of women’s magazines. But whether your entertaining is formal or casual, remember it’s w ho you put in the chairs in ADDITION to the food that makes a great party.
Contact Dear Abby at www.dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)