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August 21, 2011

Muskoka Peanut Butter Pie (Low Carb) – for Mikey

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I bet you didn’t even realize that I was away all last week, on vacation with my family. It was only through the magic of the internet that I was able to still bring you a few recipes even while I was in a rustic cottage in the remote wilds of Ontario, in an area called Muskoka. Oh, who am I kidding? The cottage was hardly rustic, being outfitted with all the modern amenities, including wifi. And those of you from Ontario are already calling my bluff on Muskoka, which is not exactly remote and very much tamed. I had my computer with me and although I did my best not to spend as much time on it as I would at home, I was very happy to still be connected to the blogging world.



Muskoka Sunrise

The real “hardship” of this vacation, if it can be said to have any, was that I was doing all of this without my husband. Poor man had to stay behind in Boston for work, as a project he has been working on for several years was finally rolling out. This meant that I was the sole parent to my three young children on this trip. Keeping them in check on the flight from Boston to Toronto was a bit rough, but the built-in TVs for each seat helped keep the older two entertained. The drive up to the cottage was a bit rougher, since the older two started fighting and woke the little one from her much-needed nap. I spent the last 45 minutes of the drive singing “You Are My Sunshine” at the top of my lungs to keep her from screaming. I was exhausted upon arrival, but all in all, I’d say it went as smoothly as one might hope when one’s traveling companions are 6, 4 and almost 2.



Jumping off the dock

Thankfully, once I was up there, I had my parents on hand, as well as my sister, brother-in-law and their little girl, to help keep the kids entertained. We also had a gorgeous lake for swimming, a dock for jumping off into the lake, a boat and an innertube for riding and playing, and some great weather so we could enjoy it all. Muskoka, a set of lakes a few hours outside of Toronto, is an almost magical place in the summer. It’s hard to describe the draw of Muskoka to outsiders, and the gloriously slow pace of life at a Muskoka cottage. It’s a place where you shed all the worries of workaday life, where your greatest concern is whether you have time to go jump in the lake again before getting the burgers on the grill. And the sight of the late afternoon sun casting its golden light on the trees across the lake never fails to lift my spirits.



Early morning mist on the lake

So why am I telling you about my idyllic family vacation? Because it is about FAMILY. Because, while I was away, there was a movement afoot among foodbloggers to celebrate family and to celebrate life. Jennie Perillo, of In Jennie’s Kitchen, lost her husband Mikey to a sudden heart attack. She sent out a plea to her fellow bloggers to make his favourite food, Peanut Butter Pie, and to hug their families tight. I don’t know Jennie personally, although I certainly knew of her, but one cannot fail to be impressed by the response in the fooblogging community. Peanut Butter Pie and many variations thereof were made in kitchens across the country, indeed across the world. I hope, I pray, it helped lift Jennie’s spirits even a little to know that her husband’s life was being celebrated the world over.



Cousins at play

At first, I didn’t think I would participate. Although our cottage was lovely, it wasn’t exactly well stocked in the baking department. There was all of one measuring cup, and a single measuring spoon. No pie plate to speak of, naturally. I had brought up a few low carb ingredients with me, but I certainly didn’t have all the items I was used to using. But there I was, enjoying time with my wonderful family, and I was inspired. Peanut Butter Pie is relatively easy to convert to a low carb treat. I tossed some almond meal with cocoa powder and a little sweetener and a little butter for the crust. I beat some cream cheese and peanut butter together and then mixed in some whipped cream. I melted some Lindt 90% Cacao chocolate with some butter for a little ganache. And that night, after dinner, we had what I’d like to call Muskoka Peanut Butter Pie.

I don’t have a lot of photos to share because I was using my sister’s DSLR, having left mine at home. And I only have pictures of the whole pie. It was my intention to get a few pics of a slice but after serving it up to the family, I proceeded to drop what was left of it on the floor. We ate the mangled pie anyway! I’m also not providing you with the recipe today. With our cottage being so ill-equiped, I threw things together without measuring anything. And although the results were really quite delicious, I’d like to take the time to recreate the recipe and work out the details a little better.

Hugging my family tight

But I did want to make the pie and let Jennie and my readers know that I did so. Because life is precious. Take care of it. Enjoy it. Eat pie and hold your loved ones tight.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Low Carb, Pies & Tarts

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Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Megan says

    August 21, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    โ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅโ™ฅ – xoxo Megan

    Reply
  2. sara @ CaffeIna says

    August 21, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Too bad your husband couldn't come but it looks like you and the kids had a wonderful time. I've been "out" of the blogging world for two months now…I felt so disconnected but it was also good to take a break….whether in a remote place or not ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Erin says

    August 21, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    Great pie! Can't believe you put it together in a cabin kitchen! Looks like a great family vacation, too bad hubby couldn't make it.

    Reply
  4. The Mom Chef says

    August 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    What a special tribute to Mikey, for you to make this pie in a place other than your own kitchen, but surrounded by family. That made it extra-special.

    Reply
  5. Foodiva says

    August 21, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    The thought behind that pie was beautiful and so glad you could make it for Mikey and Jennie even while on vacation. Muskoka looks like some part of paradise, I think I could quite happily live there. That gorgeous lake, with Internet connection and family members around, I don't want a single thing more! Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself here. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Cassie @ Bake Your Day says

    August 21, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Such a beautiful pie…and what a great way to share it – on vacation with your family, perfect! The vacation pictures look so fun!

    Reply
  7. Kelly says

    August 21, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    What joyous photos of you and family in the beautiful Muskokas. Wonderful that you were able to brave the travels with your young, energetic brood. By the looks and sounds of things, it was well worthwhile. Great looking dedication pie.

    Reply
  8. Sandra says

    August 21, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful trip, with kids having fun..too bad that your hubby couldn't come..
    Love the pie, and the tribute..You did as always awesome job!

    Reply
  9. Steve Parker, M.D. says

    August 21, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    Too often, it takes a tragedy to challenge our complacency. Your post does it more gently.

    "Complacency" is a good word you don't hear very often. One of my favorite singers from 20 years ago, Nanci Griffith, talked about it.

    You remind me that a sense of gratitude is so often the source of happiness.

    Powerful writing, Carolyn. Thank you.

    -Steve

    Reply
  10. Kari says

    August 22, 2011 at 2:04 am

    What a beautiful post – and delightful photos from your holiday. I'm sorry your husband couldn't be there, but am glad you were able to have the break and the time with family!

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    August 22, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Your pie for Mikey looks lovely and delicious. I just put mine up this past weekend too, and it warms my heart that they're still popping up all over the blogosphere.

    Also, glad you had a great vacation – it looks so peaceful and beautiful there! Great photos!

    Reply
  12. Becky says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Looks like the perfect family vacation, even without your husband. You had a beautiful location, good weather, family, and this gorgeous pie for Mikey, to share with your family!

    You'll have to make it for your husband, when you get back.

    Reply
  13. Sandi G says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Very thoughtful of you to support your fellow blogger. It IS times like this that make us hold our little family a little tighter ๐Ÿ™‚

    Love the pie adaptation & sweet pictures!

    Reply
  14. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Sorry to hear that your husband couldn't make it but it is wonderful that you got to be with family for the week. Hope you had a great time!

    The pie looks wonderful and you have such a big heart.

    Reply
  15. bonnie at sweet life says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    lovely, post. bloggers are truly the best!!

    glad you had a great time!!

    Reply
  16. Junia says

    August 22, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    sigh with every pb pie, i am reminded to love those around me that much more.

    Reply
  17. Roxana GreenGirl says

    August 22, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Welcome back Carolyn! sounds like you had a wonderful time. so sorry to hear your hubby couldn't make it, I'll be traveling alone too, damn work ๐Ÿ™
    even without your baking equipment your pie looks amazing!

    Reply
  18. Parsley Sage says

    August 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    What a nice post. A 'smile into your coffee' post. We don't have kids yet and even though your 'travel' sounds hairpulling, it also sounds magical ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you had a lovely holiday and thanks for sharing this fabulous pie

    Reply
  19. [email protected] says

    August 22, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Lovely post, Carolyn… ahhh my heart breaks for her and the girls. :((

    Your vacation spot looks so dreamy! I need something like that sooooon! I leave to go on my vacay next week so I'm not complaining. Yet. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  20. Beloved Green says

    August 22, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Family, the most important thing there is. Spending time with the wee little ones is more important then baking any day of the week. It is wonderful you participated in the tribute to Mikey.

    Reply
  21. A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says

    August 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Sweet post and SWEET girls!

    Reply
  22. K says

    August 22, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    What a wonderful vacation spot – and it reminded me of the times we joined cousins for a vacation – it truly MAKES family! and I had a strong mental image of you singing!!!
    Can't wait for the recipe

    Reply
  23. geokatgirl says

    August 22, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    it is good to be a Canadian, and i revel in your blog because you feel the same. Have a wonderful time in God's country aka Muskoka

    Reply
  24. Karen says

    August 22, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Beautiful post, Carolyn! And gorgeous pie! I would've eaten it too after dropping it on the floor.

    Reply
  25. Ben says

    August 22, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    It's amazing how food bloggers can get together when times are difficult for a member of the community. Your vacation looks lovely and your pie delicious.

    Reply
  26. Barefeet In The Kitchen says

    August 22, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Beautiful post. All of these pies recipes have been lovely to see.

    Reply
  27. Cookin' Canuck says

    August 22, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    This is a wonderful post and tribute to Jennie and Mikey. It sounds as though you had an amazing vacation in a gorgeous spot (I'm sorry to say I haven't been to Muskoka since is was two years old). You hugged your family tight and that's what matters most!

    Reply
  28. [email protected] says

    August 22, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    How nice of you to take out time to make a tribute pie for mikey.
    I love the pictures of your vacation.Toronto is on my wishlist for sometime now! I need to do homework about Muskoka now.Sounds fun!
    P.S.- Your kids are too cute ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  29. Terra says

    August 22, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    Thank you Carolyn for sharing your beautiful time! Jennie's story has shaken me up. I have really realized how much you need to enjoy life, every moment! I have hugged my husband of 17 years tightly everyday!
    I am so glad you had a beautiful time with your family! Your pie looked amazing! Sending you love and hugs! Terra

    Reply
  30. Lizzy says

    August 22, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Oh, what a fabulous vacation…minus the little tiff in the car, of course. I used to sing that song A LOT, too…it seemed to work ๐Ÿ™‚ And such an important reminder about the fragility of life…my heart aches for Jennie.

    Reply
  31. Rebecca from Chow and Chatter says

    August 23, 2011 at 12:46 am

    oh this looks awesome and a beautiful vacation spot so pleased u had fun

    Reply
  32. Denise @ Creative Kitchen says

    August 23, 2011 at 3:43 am

    Beautiful vacation spot. I'm proud of you taking off with the kids on your own…wow! Better that you had family to help you out.

    I thought I was brave this summer with the 12 hr road trip one way and 13.5 hour road trip back with my 3 girls (no hubby), but my kids are older and my 12.5 yr old vowed to help. She was extremely helpful.

    My girls are 12.5, 8.5 and 3.5. So glad you had a good time!

    This was such a tragedy. I just shared my pie today. So sad!

    Denise

    Reply
  33. Gina says

    August 23, 2011 at 4:19 am

    How sweet, and yes I missed you. Sorry been so crazy busy myself. I bet the kids will always remember the trip. I feel so bad for Jennie, I can't even imagine her pain.
    -Gina-

    Reply
  34. marla says

    August 23, 2011 at 5:12 am

    Such a nice pie and tribute to Jennie and her family. Glad to hear you had such a fun trip ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  35. Claudie says

    August 23, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Beautiful post!
    Hope you had a great vacation and enjoyed your family plenty ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  36. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    August 25, 2011 at 4:02 am

    What a beautiful pie and tribute to Mikey, Jennie and her family. Thanks for sharing the pictures of your vacation. Your kids are so adorable! I bet they had a great time and I hope you got much needed relaxation as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  37. Staci says

    October 27, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I just recently found your blog, and i'm SO glad I did! Thx for sharing these amazing recipes! I'm wondering if you ever posted the recipe for this pie – it looks and sounds amazing!

    Reply
  38. Michele says

    March 21, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    All right, I've waited long enough for the recipe…. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  39. Carolyn says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:17 am

    LOL, you are right, I really need to redo this. I just have so many other things I want to make. I will try to do it in the next month or so!!!

    Reply
  40. Kelly says

    November 28, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    yes…recipe please!! for the holidays!

    Reply
  41. Susan Pelter says

    May 17, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    I’m wondering where the recipe is, Carolyn… I thought maybe I wasn’t seeing it because I initially went looking on my phone and it sometimes displays weirdly, but it doesn’t seem to be there on the regular computer, either. Dying for a PB pie, and of course, yours will be the best!

    Reply

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