Summer Movie (and Chocolate Pie, of course)

We couldn't discuss The Help without serving chocolate pie and this one from Kneaders was scrumptious.

(That pie is a pivotal part of the plot.)

If you want to try your hand at making your own pie, here is the recipe that Kathryn Stockett grew up on, made by her beloved maid, Demetrie.

Demetrie's Chocolate Pie

1-2/3 cups water

5 tablespoons sweetened cocoa powder, such as Ghiradelli

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3 egg yolks, beaten

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 9-inch pie shell, prebaked plain or graham cracker

Whipped cream (or if it’s not too humid, you can top with meringue)

Shaved chocolate to sprinkle on top, for looks

1. In a medium sized, cool saucepan, mix water, cocoa, and cornstarch with a whisk until all the lumps are gone, making a paste. Stir in condensed milk and egg yolks. Heat to just under a boil and stir until it’s thick.
   
   
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in butter. Add in your good vanilla, and keep stirring well. Turn off the heat and let it cool some. Pour into a prebaked pie shell, storebought if that’s how you do things.
   
   
3. Let the pie set-up in a cool spot, like a plug-in refrigerator, covering with wax paper so you don’t get a skin. Dollop cream on top or top with meringue.

Yield: 1 9 inch pie, 6-8 servings

For all those who loved the book and thought that it would make a great movie you won't have long to wait.

The Help movie

Release date: August 2011

Emma Stone plays Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan

Skeeter with her friends:

Ahna O'Reilly as Elizabeth Leefolt

Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook

Viola Davis plays Aibilene, and Octavia Spencer plays Minny, a fabulous cook who becomes known for chocolate pie. 

Interesting fact:

Kathryn Stockett's childhood friend, Tate Taylor, introduced her to Octavia Spencer while she was researching The Help and Octavia became the inspiration for sassy Minny.

Another interesting fact:

Kathryn Stockett's friend, Tate Taylor, wrote the screenplay and directed the movie.

Sissy Spacek as Missus Walters

Cicely Tyson plays Constantine, Skeeter's childhood maid.

The author, Kathryn Stockett, has a cameo in the movie with a lovely Beehive hairdo.

Can't wait for summer.