This silky, indulgent Chocolate Pie with a handmade flaky crust is proof that the good things in life require effort and patience. But your taste buds will applaud you in the end! Read on to see how this incredible pie fits into the story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.
Each summer, growing up, my siblings and I would help my dad plant and cultivate a large garden. We beat the sun up every morning so we could hoe, weed, water and pick vegetables before it got too hot. There was lots of grumbling about the sleep we were missing, and how we wished we could just buy our vegetables at the store like every other normal person.
But, when we popped those green peas in our mouth, straight out of the pod, or sat down to the dinner table to partake of that fresh corn on the cob, there was nothing more satisfying than knowing we played a part in it. The fruits (or you might say veggies) of our labors tasted extra sweet those times!
My parents were very intentional about teaching us first-hand the payoffs that follow hard work. My dad always said that the most worthwhile things in life are those that come at the highest price.
We didn’t always have the best attitudes as we accomplished our seemingly tedious tasks, but afterwards we really savored the results. And now, I look back in appreciation for the lessons I learned in our garden.
There were no handouts at my house. My siblings and I did assigned chores at home and took on odd jobs for neighbors, such as mowing lawns and babysitting, to earn spending money for outings with friends or special items we’d been eyeing at the store.
I pinched every penny so I could later purchase a full size violin when I outgrew my childhood beginner-size instrument. That violin is very dear to my heart because of all that went into acquiring it.
As a teenager, I got a job working at a local country store where I scooped ice cream cones, kept the fresh-picked orchard fruit in stock in the cooler room, served fudge, and kept the place looking nice and tidy. I carefully saved those funds and was able to pay my own way through college, with help from a scholarship and part time job, until I earned my degree four years later.
I can hardly describe how much that very official, but nonetheless simple piece of paper means to me, knowing the countless hours of studying, the sleepless nights, the working on the side so I could make rent, and the many extra help sessions with T.A.’s and professors that all occurred, so I could make my future brighter.
These experiences are a little bit like this homemade pie, (that I teased you with on Instagram a few days ago) which came about after a great deal of patience and meticulous rolling and shaping, but the reward of the delightful result is unmatched! I can’t wait to share the recipe with you.
The hubby and I enjoyed a slice while watching GREATER the movie this past weekend. It really hit home with both of us.
Brandon Burlsworth always wanted to play football, but athleticism didn’t come naturally to him. Nevertheless, with unbending determination on his side, even amidst the skepticism and relentless degrading remarks of others, he made the high school team, later walked onto a college team where he eventually became the most respected and driven player there.
A coach who kindly took him under his wing gave him some wise counsel when he said that just because something doesn’t come easy doesn’t mean it’s not worth working for.
Brandon took that to heart and was the first one to practice every day where he gave 110% and then was the last one to leave. He overcame every obstacle that life dealt him and went on to gain the respect and utmost adoration from his once ridiculing teammates.
His mom was his greatest fan and urged him to keep going, even when the odds were stacked so high against him. His brother never missed a game and was touched by Brandon’s passion and perseverence.
Brandon’s ability to put the naysayers out of his mind and to press on in the midst of difficult circumstances was admirable to say the least.
He won the hearts of everyone with his contagious optimism, straight-as-an-arrow ethics, and unwavering stamina, whether they were teammates, coaches, or onlookers in the stadium.
I couldn’t help but shed tears for him as he was bombarded by challenge after painstaking trial, but then I cried tears of joy when he constantly used his setbacks to fuel him forward and help his dreams come to fruition.
His positive outlook on life and will to achieve the unlikely are an inspiration to all. Watching him work so hard and never give up made me want to take on my own goals with renewed zeal.
GREATER is a must-see movie. I came out of it feeling uplifted and motivated to be better because of Brandon’s stalwart example. Brandon is proof that hard work pays off in big ways.
Have you watched the GREATER movie trailer yet? If not, I really encourage you to do that below.
This amazing movie hits theaters on August 26th, and believe me when I say that you don’t want to miss it! Be sure to check your local theaters for availability and show times.
All this talk of toil leads me to today’s dessert, this Chocolate Pie. Homemade pies are always a labor of love (I’ve always believed they’re a work of art), but this one will reward you a hundred fold for your efforts in making it! You’ll be so glad you did.
{CHOCOLATE PIE}
Crust:
1 1/8 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. plus 2 Tbsp. shortening
Ice Water
Chocolate Filling:
4 oz. Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate Bar
1/4 c. evaporated milk
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. whipped topping
**Go here for a tutorial for making a perfect pie crust. For the crust, stir flour and salt together. Add shortening on top. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture forms pea-sized pieces. Add a few Tbsp. ice water (ice water prevents the shortening from melting) and work into mixture with a fork, pushing aside the moistened portions. Sprinkle ice water, 1 Tbsp. at a time on dry areas, and continue working moistened parts to the side until all the dough is moist.
Form dough into a ball. Press dough ball with the palm of your hand to flatten a bit. Roll out on floured surface until about 2″ wider than your pie plate. Scrape dough underneath with a metal spatula for a clean release from the counter top. Fold dough in fourths to transfer easily to the pie plate. Align dough so it overhangs by about 2″, then unfold.
Trim dough so it hangs over the pie plate by about 1″. If some areas are scant, grab a piece of trimmed dough and use a few dabs of ice water to “glue” it to the area. Fold dough under so a little of it sticks above the pie plate. Now flute the edges using two of your fingers as support on one hand and your index finger on the other hand to press the dough between your fingers. Be sure to press down so the dough will be right up against the pie plate. This will prevent shrinking.
Prick the bottom and edges with a fork so the crust can breathe while baking. Bake at 475 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Let cool completely, then make filling.
For the filling, melt chocolate with the evaporated milk in a small saucepan over the stovetop on a low heat. You can use a double boiler, but I didn’t. Stir often. When all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, allow it to cool a little bit while you make the other portion. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Pour in the chocolate mixture and mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread into pie crust, top with chocolate shavings if desired and refrigerate until ready to serve.
I’d love to hear your story of something wonderful you’ve achieved through hard work! You’re going to love GREATER the movie! It’s one of those “feel-good” films that leaves you with the warm fuzzies inside. Trust me, you’ll want to be the first one in those cushiony seats to watch it on August 26th!
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and GREATER Productions. but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GREATERMovie #GreaterTheMovie http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
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