Spaghetti Pie

It has been a long time since I posted but October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it is packed to the gills with activities and so little spare time. October is an eventful month even without breasts. Eli had his seventh birthday and Mimi had a birthday too but in the interests of family civility I will not share her age. I finished a frog, lizard and dragonfly quilt for Eli for his birthday. Made from batiks and adorned with appliqued critters it is quite cute. I received a lovely picture by email of Eli bundled in his quilt like a burrito. A boy burrito with a happy toothless grin I might add. Last summer Mimi and I investigated some quilt shops on our Michigan vacation. At one shop she found a very nice pine tree fabric with royal blue and white background and a complementary fabric. She chose a purse pattern that had three pockets with a sling handle and a wood button closure. I made the purse thinking of Mimi and all of the warm and wonderful things about her. I sent her the purse and I am waiting for a picture of Mimi sporting her new purse on her arm. She tells me changing purses is somewhat of an ordeal - a perspective I do not share. So I am waiting with toe tapping impatiently.

Our dear friends the Memas invited us to their lake home on Indian lake for Saturday and Sunday. It was just great to get away and have some time away from the house and our routine. The Memas' home is quite cozy and despite the high winds we had a great time in doors. I had to work Saturday morning so we arrived at lunch to see a pot of soup on the stove and a beautiful green salad. Lunch was pumpkin soup with a green salad with pecans and pears and bread. It was delicious. My task was to make dinner so I made a traditional pot roast with potatoes, onions, and carrots baked with the roast. I poured a lovely Austin lager over the meat to keep it moist as it roasted. The lager formed the base for the gravy which was really lovely. I quartered an acorn squash and mixed butter, brown sugar and rubbed sage together and put it in the cavity of the squash. The baked squash with the other vegetables and meat were well received. I made a pecan pie with a touch of dark rum for dessert. It too was appreciated. We chatted, played games, laughed and laughed. It was very therapeutic.

We were able to go because Jon served as caretaker to the canines. There aren't enough blessings for Jon for doing this. Doris woke him up at 5:30 a.m. to be fed. Dude objected a lot! Much dog barking and carrying on. I asked Jon to stay for dinner Sunday to say thank you and have some time just to hang out with him. For enticement and reward I made one of his favorite meals - spaghetti pie with salad, bread and dessert (pecan pie). This recipe combines spaghetti with a custard, two cheeses and sopressata. It's baked in a springform pan and served with marinara sauce. It is just too good. The recipe came from a fan of Martha Stewart. Personally I am not a fan of Martha but this recipe is delicious. Lee loves it too and it makes her very happy when she gets to eat it. It's a perfect fall meal and just the thing for a Sunday night.

Spaghetti Pie adapted from Eleanora Scarpetta

1 lb. spaghetti cooked and rinsed with cool water and thoroughly drained.
6 eggs beaten
3/4 C. cream
12 ounces spicy Sopressatta cut into 1/2 cubes
1 C. parmigiano regiano grated
4 C. Italian blend grated cheese
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 C chopped parsley
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground pepper

Spray a 10 " springform pan with Pam
Cut out two pieces of parchment to fit in the pan. Place one of the circles of parchment in the pan and spray with parchment.
Combine everything except the spaghetti in a large bowl until well mixed. Add the spaghetti and toss and stir until evenly mixed. Pour the mixture into the springform pan and cover with the second circle of parchment.

Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven about 45 minutes. The top should be brown and crusty and the spaghetti set. Remove the pan from the oven and remove the parchment. Trace a knife around the inside of the pan to release the contents. Undo and lift off the outside of the pan. Place a serving plate over the top of the spaghetti and turn the dish over. Remove the parchment and flip onto another serving plate.

Cut in wedges to serve and top with spoonfuls of marinara sauce.

This meal was just the nicest end to a wonderful weekend. The food was great but the highlight was the Memas and my sweet son. They are such good people to spend time with.