Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy) – 1946
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) Shoo fly pie got its name from Shoo Fly the Boxing Mule. After the Civil War, the mule who could box was such a popular circus attraction that a molasses manufacturer started featuring him on their packaging. Since molasses is the key ingredient of this pie recipe, homemakers just began referring to it as "shoo fly pie." If we looked, would we find molasses in your kitchen? No.
2) Apple pan dowdy is another uniquely American recipe from the 19th century. It's like apple pie, except it only has a top crust, which is broken up. Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants. Do you consider nutrition when choosing a dessert? Or are you just all about how it tastes? Sometimes I think about nutrition. At Smoothie King, I ask for a little fiber boost. Today while grocery shopping I chose Fig Newtons over Chips Ahoy. It takes some of the guilt out of pigging out.
3) The lyrics describe these two desserts as the ultimate comfort foods, able to make "the sun come out when the heavens are cloudy." Do you find that the foods you crave change with your mood? Not the food themselves, but the quantity. I snack more when I'm sad/bored.
4) Singer June Christy pleads with her mama to whip up this "wonderful stuff." Did your mother have a dish you often requested? Yes. This is going to sound weird, but it's true. When I was 6 or so, my mother brought me along to wedding or bridal shower. I felt very special and grown up, and it was the first time I ever saw hors de'oeuvres. I was fascinated by food on toothpicks. So when we had hot dogs, I didn't get mine on a bun. My mom would slice it up and give me a toothpick and little puddle of ketchup and I felt like the most sophisticated first grader on the planet.
5) June was born in Springfield, Illinois' capital. Have you been to your state's capital city? Springfield is my state's capital and I have been there many, many times. It's where Abraham Lincoln came of age and site of The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. You can also tour the only home Abe and Mary ever owned. His law office is still there, but it's being renovated. I'd like to go back someday soon. There is something comforting and inspirational to walking where he walked. Abraham Lincoln represents America at its best.
6) June spent years singing with Stan Kenton's Orchestra. At one point, she gave 38 performances in 35 towns in 35 days. That's a busy schedule! Do you thrive on activity? Or do you find yourself rejuvenated by quiet time? I need my quiet time.
7) In 1946, when this record was popular, bikinis were first seen in Paris fashion shows. How often have you worn your swimsuit this summer? Not once.
8) Also in 1946, Elias Tupper invented Tupperware, a plastic container with an airtight top that's great for preserving leftovers. Are there any leftovers in your refrigerator right now? Not at the moment.
9) Random question: Is there a day of the week that goes by faster than the others? Sunday.
