SHOO FLY PIE

Although never on my Owen county Grandmother's table, it was frequently on my mothers. This came from her grandmother (Josephine Schuyler) in New Jersey and is a classic Amish pie. It is however, very sweet but delicious.

Submitted by debjennings@dtccom.net

CRUMB MIXTURE:
2 cups flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup lard, shortening, or butter
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

SYRUP MIXTURE:
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in hot water

Crumb Mixture: Mix ingredients together thoroughly in a bowl until crumbs are formed.

Syrup Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix syrup ingredients thoroughly. Pour half of the syrup mixture into unbaked pie crust-lined 8-inch pie plate, then add half of crumb mixture; repeat with the other pie plate. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking 50 minutes more. Cool before eating. Yield: 2 (8-inch) pies.