This time of year, we miss our Carlos very much.  Carlos Smith was County Agent of Avoyelles Parish for thirty years.  We lost Carlos last year, and our lives are sadder without him.  Every day, we are reminded of him, especially in spring and summer when flowers, vegetables and field crops are at a peak.  Carlos came to the office at this time of year with wonderful fruits, vegetables and flowers.  Each beautiful offering came complete with a lesson on botanical names, growing measurements, etc., and ended with something wonderful for lunch.  He was a very fine cook as well as horticulturalist.  This recipe is from a cookbook of one of Carlos’ favorite foods, with a few stories of his life.  No one who knew Carlos should miss out on this cookbook!  They are available for sale in our office.  This recipe is typical of what you’ll find: delicious, unusual and from a very old cookbook.  Try and see what you think.  Please let me know if you like it!

Ingredients:

¼lb Butter
1 ½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Evaporated Milk
1 ¼Tbl Plain Flour
2 Eggs
½tsp Vanilla
¾ Cup Flaked Coconut
1 9-Inch Pie Shell (Unbaked)

Melt butter.  Mix well with sugar and eggs.  Add flour, blending well.  Add vanilla and blend well.  Add coconut.  Pour into pie shell.  Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350º, or until center is set.  (This is an old recipe from an old Amish cookbook, with a similar recipe calling for additional spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.)