Mississippi Mud Pie Cookies

As a kid, I drove across the United States way too many times for my liking. My first trip took place in a little grey hatchback with my Dad. It was quite the experience. Especially because we couldn't go faster than 60 mph. And we didn't have air conditioning.



While we traveled from the west coast to our final destination in New England, my Dad made sure to hit all the important landmarks: The potato fields of Idaho. The rock fields of Utah. The dirt fields of . . . every other state in-between. One geographical feature I was actually looking forward to was the mighty Mississippi. I blame Mark Twain and all river boat shenanigans for that. I daydreamed about rafting down the lazy river with a steamboat chugging along besides me. Oh, and there was an accordion involved somewhere in there (don't ask me why). But, when we finally got to the great state of Mississippi, my dream was shattered. It was then that I realized the mighty river was not filled with a quaint folksiness left over from the Reconstruction era. All I found was a metal bridge and some dirty water. A lot of dirty water.

I was disheartened. Only fattening foods could fill the hole in my heart. We made our way to a tiny greasy spoon that served nothing but burgers and pie. We ordered burgers. And, of course, pie. One bite, and this magically little pie put a smile on my face and a little folksiness back into my heart. And now I hope to give a little of that feeling to you - whether you enjoy Mark Twain or not.



Best Thing About Mississippi:
Oprah.

Worse Thing About Mississippi:
Sorry, Oprah told me not to talk smack about Mississippi.

Why Should I Visit?
Mississippi is a state rich in history, both good and bad. They are not afraid to show what they have come from, which is truly refreshing. It makes for a real fulfilling walk through the local museums, which are not to be missed.

Why Should I Not Visit?
No NHL.

Got a Cookie Recipe for Us?
Only if you don't stuff your pie hole full of marshmallows and ruin your dinner.

Mississippi Mud Pie Cookies
Makes about 1 dozen


3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped and melted
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
miniature marshmallows

1) Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Flour, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

2) In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg, then the vanilla, and mix well until everything has come together. Add the melted chocolate and mix until everything is evenly chocolaty.

3) With a wooden spoon, mix the dry ingredients into your wet until just combined. Mix in the pecans and chocolate chips until everything is evenly distributed. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto your baking sheet and push three marshmallows into the top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then cool until set. Best enjoyed while warm.

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