The Parlor and the Kitchen- Pie in the Sky

Every foodie has their favorite cooking shows. Those of us who grew up on Julia still tune in to watch her unassuming and brash way in the kitchen. I have a massive platonic girl crush on Nigella Lawson, who can make tumbling blueberries into a bowl seem like a prelude to a kiss, and who always looks as if she has been recently laid. Well.

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But I have equal love for the Two Fat Ladies, who never once made anything I would want to put in my mouth, but were a delight to watch. They are wonderful food entertainment, often incomprehensible, seemingly totally unaware that they are being filmed for television, and unapologetic about their vices.

But nothing makes me happier than shows where food may not be the focus, but is a definite supporting character. I love Brenda’s sugar addiction on The Closer, watching her sneak a chocolate bar is as much fun as watching her get the confession. Whether it is Michael Weston’s yogurt obsession, or the passionate devotion to fruit of Damian Lewis' character Charlie Crews on the all-too-short-lived Life, or the huge family meals on Everybody Loves Raymond and Soul Food, watching characters engage with food is enormous fun.

Lucky for me (#47 on the DAMN I’m lucky list, to be precise) my Charming Suitor is a foodie like me, so I can usually convince him to watch fun food shows with me. And our latest find is a gem from England called PIE IN THE SKY. A five season tasting menu starring the subtle and delightful Richard Griffiths, the show follows Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe, a gourmand of epic proportions, as he tries to extricate himself from police work and solving mysteries so that he can devote himself to his role as the chef/owner of a small restaurant.

You heard me right, Chickens, your Polymath has actually found a show that is a POLICE PROCEDURAL WITH COOKING!!! Be still my heart. He finds the clues, and the escargots. He sniffs out the bad guys like a truffle pig. He plays the suspects against one another, and plays classical music for his chickens for the most delicious eggs.

In the first episode his nemesis first serves him prosciutto and dry white wine before shooting him in the leg and stealing the sterling silver peppermill he keeps in his pocket. CS and I were hooked.

I cannot recommend it enough. It is a delicious bit of fluff.

So in honor of Henry Crabbe, and his restaurant Pie in the Sky, a summery pie recipe, perfect for the current and fleeting abundance of ripe and juicy nectarines and peaches. It is easy to assemble, quick to bake, and cool and creamy and refreshing to eat after a summer meal.

Nectarine or Peach Soufflé Pie

1 ½ cups graham-cracker crumbs
8 T butter, melted
6 nectarines or peaches, peeled
1 ½ cups sour cream
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
½ t nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put graham cracker crumbs in a bowl and pour in melted butter over, tossing lightly until moistened. Pat half of the crumb mixture over the bottom and up the sides of a deep 9- to 10- inch pie plate or springform pan.

Cut the fruit in half and remove pits. Arrange pitted side up on the crust. Mix sour cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla and nutmeg in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour the filling over the fruit and sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture. Bake 40 minutes, until puffed and set in center. Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Know what else is delicious? Lunch. With your best bud. And me and Jen Lancaster. Enter to win here.

Yours in Good Taste,
The Polymath