Mississippi - The Magnolia State, State flower: The Magnolia

1. Cucumber Salad
2. Bouillabaise
3. Baked Sweet Red Peppers and Yellow Squash
4. Bacon and Peanut Butter Muffins
5. Black Bottom Pie

Black Bottom Pie - Makes 2 pies

CRUST:

20 graham crackers
5 to 10 Tbsp melted butter

Crush crackers and mix thoroughly with butter. Line two 9" pie pans with the mixture. Push firmly into all corners firmly with a ramekin. Bake in a hot oven for 10 minutes.

FILLING:

1 Tbsp gelatin
4 Tbsp cold water
4 egg yolks
1 cup plus 3 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 pint milk, scalded
1-½ squares bittersweet chocolate
4 egg whites
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup whipped cream
Bitter chocolate, grated

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Mix together egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch and scalded water; add gelatin and cook to custard consistency.

Melt chocolate in double boiler or Bain Marie with 2 Tbsp sugar and mix wit 1 cup of the custard.

Beat egg whites stiff, add ½ cup sugar, fold din remaining custard and add cream of tartar and vanilla.

Pour the chocolate custard into the pie crusts, then, cover with plain custard. Several hours before serving, whip cream and spread over the pie. Grate bitter chocolate over the top.

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