A New Kind of Normal (Peanut Butter Pie for Jennie)

Earlier this week, I noticed some unusual posts on Twitter and Facebook by a blogging friend, Jennifer Perillo (In Jennie's Kitchen).  The posts seemed out of place with what she typically shares and after the reality of what she was sharing came to me, my heart broke for her.

You see, Jennie's husband died suddenly earlier this week.  I can't even pretend to know what she must be feeling or going through right now.  To have your whole world turned upside-down in a single instant like that means that what was normal before that moment won't be the same again.

She wrote a wonderful post For Mikey this week where she talks about their last "date".  As married people with children, many of us can relate to the "dates" we go on when we get a rare moment just the two of you.  So many times we put off a "date" to do something else we "have" to do. 

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When someone you know loses a loved one, everyone always asks what they can do.  There is not always a direct answer to that question, but this time Jennie had one.  You see, her husband had recently requested a peanut butter pie that she has made before but, she didn't get a chance to make it for him.  So, as a way to help her find a way toward a new normal, she asked that everyone who wants to do "something" make a peanut butter pie on Friday (today) and share it with their loved ones.

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Sometimes the simple act of cooking or preparing food not only helps to ensure those grieving continue to eat, but it gives those who want to offer sympathy a way to help.  Words are not always easy at times like these, but actions can make a difficult time a little better.  It won't make the pain go away, but it will let them know that you care and are there for them.

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Hold on tight to your loved ones and do your very best not to put off until tomorrow something that can be done today with them.  We don't know how long we'll have them and each day is another opportunity to build those memories that will will stay in our hearts until we are able to be with them again.

The pie I made was a Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie that I've made before and I know my family really enjoys it.  It's a frozen pie, which is perfect for this time of year.  It's creamy and full of peanut butter goodness... and then there's the frozen banana slices that are a surprise at the bottom.  Make it.  Don't delay!  Share it with your loved ones, they will thank you for it.



Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie
Adapted from Cooking Light

Ingredients
  • 1 graham cracker crust
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 4 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese
  • 8 ounces reduced fat Cool Whip - thawed
  • 1/2 cups sliced banana
  • chocolate syrup
Directions
  1. Mix brown sugar, peanut butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl and blend with a hand mixer until smooth.
  2. Add in the Cool Whip and blend until it is fully incorporated.
  3. Place sliced bananas in the bottom of the crust. 
  4. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the bananas and smooth out the top.
  5. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top.
  6. Cover and freeze for 6-8 hours.
  7. Allow to thaw for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.
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Comments

The Food Hunter said…
I've been following this all week it's so sadbut sure does make you stop and think about what's really important. I'm so glad you made this pie...my schedule did not allow it but I really wanted too.
Joanne said…
This whole thing has just been so awful and my heart goes out to Jennie. It really is so sweet how everyone has really come together like this!
Jan said…
Cant wait to try this recipe. Sure hope that mine turn out as good as yours. Excellent recipe. Thanks!!
Shelby said…
I just cannot imagine what it would be like and my heart goes out to her for having to actually deal with it. I am so disconnected on a regular basis with the online world that I only get short sporadic visits....and I had missed this. I'm really sad I did because I would have loved to contributed yesterday also. My thoughts will be with Jennie (and several others who tragically lost their loved ones this week right in my home area) and will be thankful for the loved ones I still have in my life.
Aggie said…
Your post gave me the chills. It's been a tough week, and Jennie has to live her new normal.

Hugs Patsy.
Jamie said…
I first heard about this through Aggie, who is a blogging friend of Jennie's. Such a heart-wrenching story. It was nice to see all the peanut butter pie posts floating around. Thanks for sharing.
Unknown said…
This is absolutely the worst thing. I've been noticing these posts everyone, it's great how everyone's coming together. The pie looks lovely.

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