OctoPie and the Buffalo ChalkFest 2013

Leto wanted to participate in the the ChalkFest this year and she had a really super design idea. After the accident I didn't think it was going to happen. The idea of trooping down there with all of her gear and art supplies, would we be willing to try to use an accessible porta-potty or hope a store or restaurant might have a bathroom we could use, medication, and sun, and how long a drawing might take were making our pro and con list look decidedly lopsided.

Leto on the other hand wasn't having it and begin to insist I draw out a design. She and I sat up Friday evening and worked out the details and drew some inspiration from Youtube clips from Finding Nemo. She wanted a shark and an octopus and she wanted them to have tea. Well... she got just that. When the news came out to videotape the event, they caught Leto in her wheelchair adding details to a cat and my wedding ringed hand working on the hammerhead shark.

The World of Steam posted a Krakenberry Pie early the next morning, and with fridge full of fruit and octopi still on the mind, I decided I'd give it a go.

This was a blend of 3 cups of quartered cherries, blueberries, and grapes. I added 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (you can use cornstarch powder instead), 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tbls nutmeg. The crust was cut to create the body, tentacles, and eyelids.

In a 400* oven, set the pie on a foil or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake covered for one hour. Uncover during the last five minutes so everything browns beautifully.

I was amazed that it didn't pour over the edge and the whole cherry eyes stayed intact and they didn't leak. It turned out better than I expected.

I loved how fast the fruit jelled and we were able to eat it hot. It's a bit gruesome to slice up, but with three nerdy science kids in the house, they loved it anyway!

I recommend vanilla ice cream and a glass of milk with this.

We will definitely being going back next year!