Mississippi Mud Pie

I’m trying to use up old or leftover ingredients in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. In the process I end up buying other stuff, so I don’t know that the project really does any good! This was my attempt to get rid of some whipping cream, eggs and milk. The recipe came from the August 2007 issue of "Everyday Food." The photo looked scrumptious in the magazine. I ended up using chocolate graham crackers for the crust instead of chocolate wafers, and I put some espresso powder and rum in the filling. When I tasted the filling I was kind of disappointed, but it hadn’t cooled yet and I hoped the flavors would develop. This was one of those dishes where the sum of the parts added up to a hit. Each item on its own wasn’t anything outstanding, but as a whole, it was good.

I got my hair cut this week. Big Hair is still alive and well in Texas. I brought in a picture of Tea Leoni, with a sort of pixie cropped style. The stylist put so much product in my hair I felt like I was wearing a wig. I’ve been going to a salon in the next little town over. It’s really small town, and it’s like going back in time 25 years. Most of the women at the salon have been there a long time, as opposed to the Supercuts type places in town where there’s always someone new, and the lady that’s been doing my hair at least gives me a cut that I can live with, even if it doesn't turn out exactly how I had in mind. Here’s the Peanut Butter Emporium, that’s just down the street from the hair salon, if you walk in the same direction as looking at the picture, it’s on the other corner of the block. I haven’t tried their peanut butter yet, I’ve heard they make all kinds of concoctions. Since it’s a small town, the hours are limited and it always seems I’m never there when it’s open. It takes a lot of patience adjusting to "this is the way we do things in Texas."