Fried pies are, says my source: “Most excellent for impromptu luncheons or very late suppers– withal wholesome. A famous doctor said often of them, ‘You could be only the better for eating an acre of them.’”
from Lettice Bryan, Kentucky Housewife, (1839) quoted in Reed and Reed, Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue.
Time to go to DeVall’s Bluff.
Bonus pie quote (same source): “Peter Batke says a Moon Pie ‘is not really a pie at all but just a reprehensible habit.’ He obviously never microwaved one.”
the secret to a good crust is 1/2 self rising flour and 1/2 all purpose.
so you want some leavening but not a lot.
The real secret is whatever Mary does at the Family Pie Shop, which has by several orders of magnitude both the best fried pie and the best meringue pies (coconut, chocolate, lemon by special order) I’ve ever eaten. I understand her pecan pie is also excellent, but could never get past lemon, coconut, or fried to learn whether that was so.
I know two ladies around here whose fried pies I would put up against anybody’s. I’ve eaten several acres of them.
how’s your health, roger?
since you’ve quit smoking and eaten acres of fried pies, you must be doing well.
Pretty good. Fried pies raise the spirits, but also increase the waistline.
I know that the fried pies of one’s hometown always hold an advantage. Those at the Family Pie Store banished all thoughts of other pies from my mind.
Roger: Where might those pies be obtained, Mate?
I bought a fried pie at Phillips Grocery a coupla weeks ago. It was the sorriest excuse of a fried pie I’ve ever encountered. It was maybe what Ford would market if it were in the fried pie bidness.
Where’s the family pie shop, Tom?
DeValls Bluff Arkansas. Click the link just above the picture of the fried pie.
Ben,
I can order you up a dozen or two if you want them. Then we can arrange to meet somewhere between here and there for a handoff. As you can see, this transaction would only be for a serious fried pie man. Or I could get you in touch with the lady who makes them. She’s in central Miss., around Carrollton. She doesn’t have a restaurant.
Roger: Hmmm. Always good to ride the bike down to Carrollton. Just may take you up on that. Gotta get all this T’giving hullabaloo outta the way. Thanks, Mate. Meantime … don’t go to Phillips Grocery looking for a good fried pie.
NMC: Where the heck is DeVall’s Bluff? Is that way the heck over near Hope?
nope. Just beyond Brinkley on the old US highway that parallels the interstate from West Memphis to Little Rock.
66 miles from Helena, as shown here. If you want to go there, it is across the street from Craig’s BBQ (considered one of the best in Arkansas), on the west side of town. It’s in a backyard– you won’t easily see it unless you are really looking for it (it’s easier to find Craig’s). The DeValls Bluff link in the post above will give you a picture of what you are seeking.
what’s all this about buying fried pies. they’re much better homemade, especially on Christmas morning right after gift opening.
Confounded: I know an invitation when I see one. About what time do y’all expect to be done with the gifting thing? I’ll be there right on time. Thanks, Mate. And Merry Christmas.