The Tour de Lance

- The Sum of all Parts -

As the heat of accusations started to Crank up, Lance Armstrong Spoke with Oprah Winfrey on Cable to Brake his silence, attempting to Stem the criticism.  Always Shifting, trying to Wheel and deal while Spinning his deceitful Chain of events, it was clear he had Geared-up for the interview.  Watching Lance, Saddled with the faux-guilt he Pedaled, I began to Frame an opinion as I tried to get my Bearings on how he lost his Grip and became the Caliper of person he is.  As I began to Tire, it was obvious he should just shut up, go through the Cycle, and Fork over his titles.

Uncle Dave's Grasshopper Pie

This family favorite began as my mother's recipe with Green Creme de Menthe and Creme de Cocoa providing the flavorings and color.  Over the years I came up with a non-alcoholic version that most agree actually tastes better than the original.  It's the only way I make it now, but I'll include the substitutions at the end if that's the way you'd like to try it.  Either way it's sure to be a hit.

The pie above was made in a 9-inch spring form pan, but you can use a deep dish pie pan or a 9 X 13 baking dish if you like.  Running a thin knife around the edge of the spring form pan just before serving will release it from the pan perfectly.

Uncle Dave's Grasshopper Pie

(This recipe uses a 9-Inch Spring Form Pan)

30 Oreo Cookies, Crushed (Half mint, Half regular)

4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

42 Large Marshmallows

1 Cup Milk

1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup

1 1/2 Tablespoons Water

1 1/2 Drops Chocolate (Creme de Cocoa) Extract

1 1/2 Drops Peppermint Extract

3 Drops Green Food Coloring

12 Ounces Whipping Cream

Melt butter and thoroughly mix into crushed cookies.  Lightly butter bottom and sides of spring form pan for easier removal later.  Evenly line spring form pan with cookie and butter mixture, press into place, then set aside.

Melt marshmallows with milk in the top of a large double boiler until smooth.  (You can use a large Pyrex bowl over a large cooking pot.)  Let the mixture cool.  Combine corn syrup with water and stir into mixture.  Mix in flavorings and food color.  Chill over ice water, snow, or place in cold area until slightly thickened.  Whisk till smooth.  Whip the cream and fold into green mixture.  Pour into prepared cookie crust.  Chill a few hours or overnight.  Just before serving, top with a sprinkling of crushed Oreos.

Note:  Extra mixture not used in the prepared crust makes a wonderful mousse.  Just spoon into glasses and chill.

Liqueur Substitutions

When substituting liqueurs, eliminate the Corn Syrup, Water, Flavoring Extracts, and Food Coloring.  Substitute with the following:

3 Tablespoons Green Creme de Menthe

1 1/2 Tablespoons Clear Creme de Cocoa

Bon Appetit !