Impossible Pie

Chopping toasted hazelnuts

As a voracious reader, I tend to gravitate towards writers who make me think, yet also feed my innate curiosity about things. My love for Kerry Greenwood is an example of this. The Phryne Fisher series stars a lovely rich, self sustaining woman in the 1920's who does what she likes, convention be damned. She also dines well, dresses beautifully and drinks fabulous cocktails created by her butler, Mr. Butler.

Generally most of the recipes are found in her other series, about baker Corrina Chapman, whose right hand man, Jason inspired me to make Cardamom Rosewater cupcakes that are to die for.

In the latest book, Dead Man's Chest, Phryne's companion and maid, Dot, teaches her adopted Ruth to make Impossible Pie.

butter, coconut, sugar

Ruth and her adopted sister Jane try to puzzle out how it works. Jane deducts that the weight of the ingredients cause it to separate naturally. Ruth isn't so sure.

All I know that upon trying it, it all seems pretty magical. This pie is indeed alchemy at its best and brightest. 

grease a deep pie dish and preheat the oven to 350 F.

Really? This is going to be a pie? Er.....

In a bowl, combine 

1/2 c flour

1 c sugar

3/4 c coconut

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c melted butter

mix well.

Now add 1/2 c almonds (I used hazelnuts and they  were so good!)

and slowly add 1 cup of milk.

Combine until just mixed.

Pour your mix into your prepped pan and bake 30-35 minutes. Let cool.

This is what you get:

Amazing! The coconut and flour are now a top crust. Everything else is now a lovely little bakes custard. woohoo!