Lucy and her Dolphins
Before we left the apartment today I put together a Chocolate Cream Pie using the same basic custard recipe that I followed yesterday except in today’s batch I added about 4 ounces of chocolate. Later I tried making whipped cream with what I thought was whipping cream but eventually I figured out that it was closer to half and half (which will never hold a soft peak no matter how long you whip it!). So until I had whipping cream, I just let the pie set up in the fridge.
Then we took a walk along the beach of Barra de Navidad for the first time since we arrived. We had heard others mention that in the last week or so there had been an underground (under sea?) earthquake that released some toxic levels of gas which caused thousands of fish to die. This disaster followed the hurricane that occurred last fall in Barra and caused quite a bit of damage to many of the buildings along the shoreline.
It is hard to understand why some regions experience so much devastation and others seem to go unscathed. And yet we did not see people complaining at all. Instead the waiters beckoned us to eat and the vendors set up their wares to sell and somehow the people just carry on as best they can.
After our walk we found a grocer who sold whipping cream and once home I whipped it up and spread it atop the pie. Finally I found a chocolate bar and grated some of it for the garnish and then we were off to deliver the pie to Lucy.
Lucy runs a restaurant in Barra named appropriately, Lucy’s. We first met her on our last visit to Barra. We were introduced to her by our friends Marie and Dale and have enjoyed several cold drinks and the occasional hot meal there.
Lucy has a way of drawing people to her. She has had guests from around the globe and she has displayed flags from those countries on her wall. In addition, we saw she had posted hand-lettered welcome signs to returning visitors. It’s that kind of thing that keeps her guests coming back year after year – a warm welcome and the knowledge that they have been remembered.
To recognize her for her warmth and hospitality, tonight I brought Lucy the Chocolate Cream Pie. There is no doubt in my mind that she will share it with her many friends.
I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. Nancie J. Carmody
Pie a Day Give Away 