Mississippi Mud Pie (Southern, Mississippi of course)

Our nation could sure use something sweet?  A nice gooey, chocolate based respite from the confusing week on Wall Street and the campaign trail.  So, why not cook up a nice dessert this weekend while enjoying the presidential debate, which is supposed to take place on the campus of the University of Mississippi.  Oh wait, one of the candidate's is trying to stall the conversation with his opponent in order for his campaign to buy more time for his woefully unprepared running mate!  That's right, maybe we won't be able to watch on Friday, and the University of Mississippi will just eat the $5.5 million and two years of planning they spent on the event.  No big deal.  The debates are not the only reason to think about Mississippi this weekend.  And don't let the complete incompetence and selfishness of one campaign stop you from enjoying a nice slice of Mississippi mud pie.  This decadent pie is a wonderful way of commemorating the role Mississippi history has played in securing our rights to vote. 

Mississippi was a battleground for major, Civil Rights movement activity, from the explosive integration of the University of Mississippi by James Meredith to the inspirational actions of voters' rights workers during the 1964 Freedom Summer.  While many Americans are praising Barack Obama's historic bid for the White House, they may not know of the bravery of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, who risked life, limb and livelihood in order to do secure something that has become mundane for most Americans--voting.  Hamer, Ella Baker, and the Freedom Summer martyrs (James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman) shed sweat, tears and their own blood in order for every ballot to be honored and counted.  I can think of no better place than Mississippi for the candidates to address the challenges that will face us in the years ahead.  The work of true transformation will not be easy...

As for the pie, it's relatively simple.  The gooey filling is made from melting 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate squares in a stick of butter.  When it's nice and melted, like the mortgage market, set aside.  In another bowl, add 3 beaten eggs, stir in a few tablespoons of corn syrup and a teaspoon of vanilla.  Once you have the chocolate cooled, like the housing market, stir in the egg mixture.  Make sure the chocolate isn't cooking the egg mixture.  Pour filling into a pie crust, either a traditional pastry or graham cracker crust.  Bake for about 35 minutes at 350 degrees.  Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

You can find Mississippi Mud Pie in a wide array of casual-dining restaurants.  Those versions usually include some type of dense cake layer or more of a pudding base.  This version is all the sweetness you need.  So, if the debates are indeed cancelled, think about enjoying a slice while reading up on your Civil Rights history.

Happy Eating!