black bottom lemon custard pie.

They rode together on their way to the church. He drove with her right by his side.The day was warm, but crisp with bright leaves falling onto the wet pavement of the back rode they were traveling. She in a jean jacket, he in his favorite white button up and flip flops. His guitar was in the back seat, and he reached over to gently hold her hand in his. 

They talked about the future. He wanted a little boy named Levi and she dreamed about taking care of their kids backstage while he played the music he wrote. Life was perfect and happy and the future seemed bright and full of goodness. She still remembers the curve of the road, the way the wind felt in her hair, and the conversation in it's entirety. 

They pulled up to the front of the tiny church along with the rest of the group and got out of the car. He had his guitar in his right hand and reached out with his left to grab her hand. Holding his hand like this made her proud and gave her a glimpse into the future she was so certain of. They walked up to the church and he introduced himself to the pastor then turned to her and said, "and this? this is my girl". She still remembers the flush on her cheeks in that moment. A result of pure joy…she hasn't felt that way in years.

They went inside to get set up. She was almost giddy glancing at him every once in a while. His gaze was always on her. Once the service started she stood in the front row watching him as he picked up his guitar and slung it over his shoulder - a movement she'd seen hundreds of times. It was the most natural thing in the world. He sang into his mic leading the congregation in worship. She stood on the front row worshipping with him and was suddenly overtaken with happiness. This was her dream. Supporting him. Being the face he always saw on the front row. She was certain this was were she was meant to be. She still remembers the way you looked at her from the stage that day. 

They talked all the way home. He pulled his car over to the side of the road a few miles away from her parent's house where he would drop her off. He pulled her in close, kissed her on the forehead, and told her he hoped all the rest of their days together would be this perfect. He told her that day contained all the things he dreamed about. He kissed her softly, grabbed both of her hands, and asked her to be his wife. She still remembers what it felt like to say yes and mean it with all of her heart. 

Black Bottom Citrus Custard Pie

Inspired by The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book

Buttery crust + a layer of bittersweet ganache + sweet citrus custard.

1 prepared pie crust

3/4 cup heavy cream

4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

4 large eggs + 1 egg yolk

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (I used 3 lemons)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (I used half an orange)

zest of one Meyer lemon

zest of 1/4 orange

Press pie crust into 9 inch pie pan. Set aside. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

In a large heat-proof measuring cup, heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream for 2 minutes. Pour chopped chocolate into heated cream and whisk to combine. 

Pour ganache into pie crust and spread evenly over the bottom. Chill pie crust in the fridge while you prepare the citrus custard.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs and egg yolk, sugar, and salt on medium speed until thick and well combined. 

Turn mixer on low speed and pour in citrus juices, zest, and remaining heavy cream. Blend well. Strain custard with a fine mesh sieve into a medium size bowl.

Place the ganache-lined pie shell on a rimmed baking sheet, and pour strained filling into the crust. 

Bake pie on the middle rack for 30 minutes. The pie is finished when the edges are set but the middle is no longer liquid but still wobbly. 

Allow to cool completely on a wire rack for 2 to 3 hours. Pie can be served slightly warmed, room temperature, or cool (my favorite way). Store pie in the fridge for 2 days or at room temperature for 1 day.