Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Today was our last full day in Mexico and we wanted to make the most of it… and for me, that means spending time on the beach. As the weather was a bit overcast, instead of playing in the ocean, we decided to walk along the beach to Melaque. It is a nice walk albeit a bit difficult as there is a slope to the sand and it seems that you are walking a bit lopsided most of the way. Nonetheless, it was delightful.
When we arrived in Melaque, my husband chose to explore a bit more of the beach while I sat and watched the pelicans and the frigatebirds. The area was chock full of them and I was mesmerized by the sight of the pelicans as they dove into the water, because it seemed that each time one bird dove, four or five others would follow right after in the same place. It was quite the spectacle!
After a brief repast at one of the restaurants on the beach we decided to walk “home” as well. By the time we arrived, we were hot and tired and hungry! But before we could eat I needed to deliver a pie! We quickly headed to the malecon (the harbor wall) and looked for the vendors that are always there. However by the time we got there this evening, they had all gone home.
As I wondered who I might gift with a pie I saw a young woman who was busy working at the water taxi desk. The water taxis take passengers back and forth across the lagoon between Barra de Navidad and the Isla de Navidad. We have been on the water taxi many times this week and really appreciate the quick and convenient service they offer.
As I approached the young woman, I could tell that she was apprehensive. I explained that I was a baker and that I have been making pies every day for over 300 days and giving them away. Then I asked if there were many taxi drivers still out on their boats and she said yes. I then set the pie on her desk and asked if she would please share it with them when they came back to the dock. Still apprehensive, she asked if I was selling the pie. No, I explained, it is a gift… to show gratitude to God, the universe, etc. In Spanish she said this type of thing was, “muy rara.” Perhaps she is right… but maybe someday that will change. Here’s hoping!
Pie a Day Give Away 
I must say that I am in awe of your matter-of-fact baking and gifting a pie a day in Mexico to people you don’t know! You have a bit of the fearlessness of that pelican on its dive. Bravo, Karen!
Chris,
I never would have thought of it like that! And it does take a bit of explaining to get the message across, but I enjoy that challenge.
Last night after we gave away the pie, we ate tacos where we had with our friends David and his family a few nights ago. That night I had brought the pie to the taco stand and after we ate, we shared the pie. There was about 1/4 of the pie left and I offered it to the waiter and his family. He gladly accepted and we left. When I reminded him last night that I was the “pie lady” he went back to his wife and said something. All of a sudden she broke out into the biggest smile and told me how “rica” the pie was. Her husband said she would like the recipe… and so I will be sending it via email to Ricardo and his wife in Barra. Pretty cool, eh?
I completely agree with Chris – you are just amazing for giving back and never giving up, even while on a MUCH deserved vacation!!!
Thank you for being you.
Love,
A