Last week, my grandfather Tot passed away.
We wrote about Tot and his passion for Egg Custard Pies years ago here on the blog, so I wanted to share the news with you Bittens. I don't share the news of his passing in sadness; my grandfather lived a happy life, marked with laughter and bringing joy to hundreds of others. He loved his community deeply, and did wonderful acts of kindness, big and small, for those he came across in his life.
I've never spoken about this here on The Bitten Word, but I have a somewhat complicated relationship with my family. Without going into all of it right now, I'll sum it up by saying that we speak very infrequently, and it's a source of great sadness for me. But my grandfather, especially in his final years, showed me great kindness, and was welcoming in ways that surprised me. I'll always remember him and be thankful to him for that.
And in my memories, he loved to eat. He had strong opinions about where to buy the best country hams. He loved making mutton. He was the only Kentuckian I know who actually made burgoo at home. And he cranked out hundreds of these Egg Custard Pies during his life, giving them to friends and serving them to guests as a way to show his love for them.
We've been thinking a lot about Tot, and Egg Custard Pie, over the last few days. We plan to make a few and give them to friends. If you're in a pie making mood, we'd love for you to do the same. And if you keep the pie for yourself, as Tot often did, just think about something nice you'd like to do for someone this spring. Tot would love it.
~ Clay