I’m a bit (OK, a LOT) late this month with my “pie of the month.”

But I have a good reason! It’s been quite a whirlwind six weeks since THE WIDOWS came out into the world on January 8, 2019 from Minotaur Books (order with this link).

On that particular day, I was out of town, finishing up a teaching gig in Pennsylvania. I’d gone to bed in my hotel room the evening before excited that my novel would soon be out in the world, yet with enough experience to know that pub day–though exciting for me and celebrated with family, friends and my publishing team–would likely otherwise be a quiet day.

As it turned out, though, I had quite a few emails to keep up with, many related to this fantastic review that went out on the AP newswire.

And I couldn’t resist visiting a nearby Barnes & Noble to see my book-baby out in the wild on its publication day.

Since then, I had a lovely combination book launch/birthday party at The Century Bar, which crafted Lily and Marvena drinks inspired by THE WIDOWS main characters. (I have coasters with the drink recipes which I give or send to book clubs which discuss THE WIDOWS. So, if you’d like coasters for your book club–plus delightful “Apple Moonshine” lip balms–just email me and let me know that you’re reading and discussing THE WIDOWS!)

I had a hometown book launch at Books & Co., and went on the road to Murder by the Book (Houston, TX), where THE WIDOWS is a staff pick, and The Pulpwood Queens Book Club Girlfriend Weekend (Jefferson, TX)

I’ve had other events and been on ‘virtual’ tour on blogs and websites as well.

Oh–and I finished the good-enough-to-send-to-agent-and-editor draft of the next book–a follow up to THE WIDOWS.

What does all of this have to do with buttermilk pie?

Well, my recipe appeared on one stop on that virtual tour, along with a lovely interview that provides insight into THE WIDOWS.

And honestly, I’m ready to relax and enjoy a slice of buttermilk pie–one of my very favorite pies to bake, share and eat, as well as the favorite pie of Daniel, Lily’s sheriff husband in THE WIDOWS. (His death is the catalyst for the story as well as for Lily becoming sheriff.)

Now, I know some folks might feel a bit put off by the notion of buttermilk pie, especially if they aren’t fans of buttermilk. Even if you don’t like to drink buttermilk, though, give this pie a try. It’s smooth and custard-y, but has a bit of tang to it as well. It’s also a light pie, suitable on its own, but also pairing well with raspberries, blueberries or blackberries (or a combination of said berries). or a dollop of whipped cream.

I first discovered the pie at Woody’s Market, a now long-gone grocery and old-timey restaurant. A true mom-and-pop establishment. After the market went out of business, I sought to recreate buttermilk pie, experimenting with custard recipes. (This was well before one could just Google to find a recipe.) I came up with the recipe below, which I hope you’ll try and enjoy.

1 unbaked pie shell
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons melted butter
Nutmeg

Combine sugar and flour. Add beaten eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat together (by hand or with mixer) until smooth. Pour into pie crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake at 350-degrees (F) for 35 minutes, or until pie filling is firm like a pudding/creme pie. (Protect pie crust rim with aluminum foil near end if needed.) Let pie cool and set before slicing.