Thanksgiving weekend - what plebes do?

[Capt MJ]

Ah, Key lime pie — such an amazing treat. Whenever I’m at a restaurant that serves it, I always ask the server what color it is. If they say green, I pass. That means they don’t use real Key limes but rely on food coloring. If they say yellow, I go for it. (Now, there may be some restaurant fakery going on there, not using either food coloring or Key limes, but I’m willing to take the chance.)

Am I a Key lime pie snob? Why, yes, I am.

I am right with you on that. Can’t be green. Bonus points if it’s made with real Key limes and not “regular” limes. Hard to find.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I am right with you on that. Can’t be green. Bonus points if it’s made with real Key limes and not “regular” limes. Hard to find.

Ah yes, but big minus points if it is topped with meringue. I am not a fan of "Lime Meringue Pie" and prefer a cream type topping.

 

[kinnem]

Ah, Key lime pie — such an amazing treat. Whenever I’m at a restaurant that serves it, I always ask the server what color it is. If they say green, I pass. That means they don’t use real Key limes but rely on food coloring. If they say yellow, I go for it. (Now, there may be some restaurant fakery going on there, not using either food coloring or Key limes, but I’m willing to take the chance.)

Am I a Key lime pie snob? Why, yes, I am.

I never eat it out. I make my own whenever I want it. It's so damn easy even I can do it.

 

[Capt MJ]

Just the crust and the tart pie filling.

 

[retiredradar]

For almost every mid, this will be the first of many important family activities that will be missed in the name of national security. Even when on shore duty, someone has to stand watch at most commands. One year while on shore rotation, I worked every single holiday. Every one from New Year's Day through Christmas. My XO felt that single folks should work holidays so that folks with kids could be home. It was what it was.

People in the military miss weddings, birthdays (including sometimes the birth of their child), graduations, and funerals. They are away on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Halloween (and other important days based on one's religion or other circumstances). No one likes it, but it comes with the job. Those who give a cheery aye-aye and make the best of it will be much better off in the long run than those who moan and groan. That goes for both the mids and their families.

Sounds like there are some mids with great attitudes. Parents and families -- you can help best by being supportive. Encourage them to enjoy the time with their classmates. Assure them that, while you'll miss their physical presence, you're glad they're in a good place and are happy. And plan to have a great dinner of thanksgiving when they come home for winter break!

I am a retired Air Traffic Controller (27 years in the FAA). We worked every day, but fortunately we could go home at night (or sometime within the 24 hour day). Before kids, I would volunteer to work Christmas, Thanksgiving, whatever. When I became a mother, I never worked a Christmas again. It usually cost me a week of leave in the summer, but it was worth it. We always had a great meal when we worked the big holidays. Usually the non-chefs would work without breaks so the chefs could create their masterpieces. We even had fried turkey one year. Those are the times I will always remember. You have to make lemonade out of lemons.

 

[usna1985]

As an aside, THE BEST pie for Thanksgiving is chocolate pecan. Just sayin' . . .

 

[Capt MJ]

As an aside, THE BEST pie for Thanksgiving is chocolate pecan. Just sayin' . . .

Ooh yes that too. Extra dark chocolate, a bit of bourbon.

 

[Big Ugly]

And to think of all those years; was it going to be the piece of chocolate cream pie or the piece of pecan pie. All those years, the toughest of choices and all the while the answer was right before us. Words fail me.

 

[Capt MJ]

With apologies to the OP, who received many thoughtful answers early on in this thread, please realize Fun with Food is apt to randomly break out across this forum.

I will cheerfully gallop off-topic in the direction of the favorite Thanksgiving items thread where we probably should be - and let me pause to say, I would eat this pie for breakfast on the Fourth of July - and offer the following, which is my go-to with my own tweaks.

I usually make my own crust.
I use Lindt or Callebaut or Valhrona or Ghirardelli minimum 72%-80% cacao dark chocolate. Shaved into skinny chunks.
I am generous with the pecans.
I scant measure the sugar.
I have been known to use rum instead of bourbon.

Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Give pecan pie an upgrade with our Kentucky Bourbon Pie. Fashioned after George Kern's Derby Pie, its combination of chocolate, bourbon, and pecans is perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion.

www.southernliving.com

For the unrepentant chocoholic, this has a chocolate crust. You can figure out how to add a little bourbon.

Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Want a rich and powerful flavor combination? Enjoy this dark chocolate piecrust (made with cocoa powder) with the decadent, sweet, and sticky chocolate-pecan filling. The extra chocolate drizzle on top takes the presentation to the next level and will impress your family with a downright pretty pie.

www.southernliving.com

Look at any Southern cookbook. There are salted chocolate pecan pies, versions with or without bourbon or rum, and many others.

 

[MidCakePa]

You know how they say you should never make a dish for the first time for company? Well, in that spirit, I feel the need to try making this pie this weekend — kind of a dress rehearsal prior to the holidays. Some things just can’t wait. Even if it means putting a temporary moratorium on my low-sugar eating plan. The sacrifices I make...

 

[WT Door]

With apologies to the OP, who received many thoughtful answers early on in this thread, please realize Fun with Food is apt to randomly break out across this forum.

I will cheerfully gallop off-topic in the direction of the favorite Thanksgiving items thread where we probably should be - and let me pause to say, I would eat this pie for breakfast on the Fourth of July - and offer the following, which is my go-to with my own tweaks.

I usually make my own crust.
I use Lindt or Callebaut or Valhrona or Ghirardelli minimum 72%-80% cacao dark chocolate. Shaved into skinny chunks.
I am generous with the pecans.
I scant measure the sugar.
I have been known to use rum instead of bourbon.

Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Give pecan pie an upgrade with our Kentucky Bourbon Pie. Fashioned after George Kern's Derby Pie, its combination of chocolate, bourbon, and pecans is perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion.

www.southernliving.com

For the unrepentant chocoholic, this has a chocolate crust. You can figure out how to add a little bourbon.

Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Want a rich and powerful flavor combination? Enjoy this dark chocolate piecrust (made with cocoa powder) with the decadent, sweet, and sticky chocolate-pecan filling. The extra chocolate drizzle on top takes the presentation to the next level and will impress your family with a downright pretty pie.

www.southernliving.com

Look at any Southern cookbook. There are salted chocolate pecan pies, versions with or without bourbon or rum, and many others.

Out of curiosity, how is "pecan" pronounced in the South? Is it pe-cans (long e) or pe kahns? I wouldn't want to be misunderstood in different parts of the country. The pies will be eaten either way.

 

[Capt MJ]

Out of curiosity, how is "pecan" pronounced in the South? Is it pe-cans (long e) or pe kahns? I wouldn't want to be misunderstood in different parts of the country. The pies will be eaten either way.

It’s right up there with other major controversies.

I grew up hearing PEE can pie in coastal Georgia.

How Do You Pronounce 'Pecan'?

Is it pee-can, pah-kahn, or something else entirely?

www.southernliving.com

 

[THParent]

It's Pah-Kahn Pie. Yeesh!

 

[MidCakePa]

This is how it’s pronounced, courtesy of one of the best movie scenes ever.

 

[WT Door]

Thanks to all the previous posters for clarifying the pronunciation. I think I'll just point to the pies on the menu or wherever they may be and say "I'll have this, please."

 

[justdoit19]

Y’all need a pie thread

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

With apologies to the OP, who received many thoughtful answers early on in this thread, please realize Fun with Food is apt to randomly break out across this forum.

I will cheerfully gallop off-topic in the direction of the favorite Thanksgiving items thread where we probably should be - and let me pause to say, I would eat this pie for breakfast on the Fourth of July - and offer the following, which is my go-to with my own tweaks.

I usually make my own crust.
I use Lindt or Callebaut or Valhrona or Ghirardelli minimum 72%-80% cacao dark chocolate. Shaved into skinny chunks.
I am generous with the pecans.
I scant measure the sugar.
I have been known to use rum instead of bourbon.

Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Give pecan pie an upgrade with our Kentucky Bourbon Pie. Fashioned after George Kern's Derby Pie, its combination of chocolate, bourbon, and pecans is perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion.

www.southernliving.com

For the unrepentant chocoholic, this has a chocolate crust. You can figure out how to add a little bourbon.

Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Want a rich and powerful flavor combination? Enjoy this dark chocolate piecrust (made with cocoa powder) with the decadent, sweet, and sticky chocolate-pecan filling. The extra chocolate drizzle on top takes the presentation to the next level and will impress your family with a downright pretty pie.

www.southernliving.com

Look at any Southern cookbook. There are salted chocolate pecan pies, versions with or without bourbon or rum, and many others.

.
I am bookmarking these 2 recipes .... Have you ever done a Pumpkin-Pecan-Cheesecake?
.

 

[Capt MJ]

.
I am bookmarking these 2 recipes .... Have you ever done a Pumpkin-Pecan-Cheesecake?
.

I like other people to make my cheesecakes for me, but that does sound good.
The only cheesecake I make, usually 1-2 times a year, is a tart lemon cheesecake with a dark chocolate crumb crust, topped with fresh raspberries.

 

[Capt MJ]

I am right with you on that. Can’t be green. Bonus points if it’s made with real Key limes and not “regular” limes. Hard to find.

This post put me in the mood for Key Lime pie, so I went in search of my go-to, and found it at Walmart! We ate the entire pie between Saturday and Sunday

Their website is a fun read and has good recipes.

 

[THParent]

I use that same brand to make individual margaritas. I buy it at Wal-Mart as well.