z Cottage by the Sea

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy


Autumn is in the air. It was only 60°F Thursday night and today, Friday, it was a lovely 70°F. The breezes are changing now too.   I hope those who were experiencing awfully hot weather are finding some relief.   The northeast is supposed to be cooler than usual this year and I like that thought and hope it comes true.
This Sat 9 mentions Shoo Fly pie which my grandmother used to make.  I could never eat more than one slice because it is so rich.  Do you like shoo fly pie?
Don't forget to come by Sunday night for the latest Tuesday 4.  Link is in the tabs.

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!

Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy) – 1946



Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.
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?
It used to be that I had black strap molasses and would take a tablespoon daily for iron,etc.  But the sugar content is now too high.

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?
No, I don't consider nutrition for desserts, not at all!

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?
Yes I think it's only common sense that your mood can be improved or modified by foods you crave.
I might crave something sugary but it leaves me depressed after I eat it.

4) Singer June Christy pleads with her mama to whip up this "wonderful stuff." Did your mother have a dish you often requested?
Yes, my mother's spaghetti was unmatched.   To this day I have never had such good sauce.

5) June was born in Springfield, Illinois' capital. Have you been to your state's capital city? 
Our capital is Trenton and I have been there many times.

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 love activity.  All my life I would cram as many activities into a day as I could.  I was like the energizer bunny always on the go. My late husband once said, "you never sit down!"

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?
I don't wear them anymore and for years I just cut old jeans into shorts and wore a tee shirt. 

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?
Yes, some beets.




9) Random question: Is there a day of the week that goes by faster than the others?
I would have to say the weekend and holiday days always go by way to quickly.  

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Donuts


Autumn is on the way inching closer day by day...

Here is a recipe found on Facebook for Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

Doughnuts
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour * 1 tsp. baking powder * 1 tsp. baking soda * 1/2 tsp. salt * 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon * 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice * 1/2 cup vegetable oil * 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar * 2 large eggs, room temperature * 1 cup pumpkin puree * 1/3 cup milk * 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
* 4 tbsps. salted butter * 1/3 cup maple syrup * 1 cup powdered sugar * 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla. Gently fold into the dry ingredients just until combined.
3. Spray a doughnut pan with nonstick spray and fill the cavities with batter. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
4. For the glaze, brown the butter over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until it smells toasted. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
5. Dip the cooled doughnuts in the glaze.🍁