A Novel Event

I found the perfect novel for this winter's edition of Novel Event. The idea with this event is to be challenged to 'culinary inspiration' by a literary work. Lisa at Champaign Taste first introduced me to this last fall when I posted with inspiration from Fried Green Tomatoes At The WhistleStop Cafe.

Since it is Christmas, I decided to find some inspiration in another Fannie Flagg novel. 'A Redbird Christmas' This is a sweet and inspiring story of faith and hope. As with many of Fannie's novels it is set in a small town in Alabama, along the lazy winding river, where mail is delivered by boat and Christmas is magical. Dottie Niven is the postmistress and a member of the mystic order of the polka dots. This is a group of southern women who do good deeds within their community. In addition to spotting a good man for marrying, they spend their days helping wandering children and a special redbird.

No Christmas party in the south would be complete without a pecan pie. Fannie Flagg knows this well and uses it in spinning her story. Dottie is known for her highballs, and her bourbon pie.

Dottie Niven's Kentucky Bourbon Pie

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter

4 eggs

1/4 cup bourbon

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup pecans

1 unbaked pie shell

Pre-heat oven to 325°

Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly. Beat eggs, bourbon, vanilla and salt in a large bowl; gradually add sugar mixture. Beating well with a wire whisk. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans; pour into pastry shell. Bake for 50-55 minutes until set. Serve warm or chilled.

Christmas is a time of magic, wishes coming true, goodness of a neighbor or a stranger. The small southern town in 'A Redbird Christmas' is like most small towns. All around us there are holiday get togethers with a pecan pie and some eggnog- leaded and unleaded.

Merry Christmas y'all

Sandi