What are you grateful for? Have you thought about that lately? As our life goes on day after day, it is easy for us to overlook the little things and take so many things for granted. It is unfortunate that it sometimes takes a great loss for us to stop, reflect, and appreciate everything in our lives, both big and little. So, right now, I ask you to stop whatever you are doing to take a moment to think about your life and what you are grateful for.
Here are a few things that come to mind immediately when I think about what I am grateful for today:
*My family and loved ones
*Memories that don’t fade
*Comfort and compassion…of strangers
*The safety and comfort of home
I know this post isn’t like most of my posts. Today, this is a special post to honor the memory of a man, husband and father (whom I never had the pleasure of knowing), Mikey Perillo. Mikey was the husband of a food blogger, editor, and mother of two, Jennifer Perillo. Mikey Perillo left this world, suddenly, last Sunday after collapsing from a heart attack. He was taken from this world so quickly; there was no time for goodbyes, hugs, kisses or I love you’s. In the blink of an eye he was gone.
Although I don’t personally know the Perillo’s my heart breaks for Jennifer and her two girls. Her two girls loved their daddy and thought he hung the moon; and now there will be no more laughs, hugs, or dances because he was taken from them in an instant. I pray for Jennifer that she can not only find the strength to cope with this great loss, but to be a comfort and source of strength for her two young girls who are struggling to cope and understand this great loss.
This unfortunate loss comes as a reminder to not take anything or any day for granted. Each day is a gift that is full of opportunities, and that will be filled with the memories that we make. Be grateful for your loved ones, for each day we are given with all of our friends and family and for all of the opportunities that we are given. Don’t take a thing, not even a second for granted, because there is no guarante there will be a tomorrow.
I say all that to say this. Live each day to it’s fullest. Don’t put things off until tomorrow that can be done today. Be sure to tell your loved ones how much you love them and tell them as often as you can. Cherish every day, hour and second; and make as many memories as possible.
Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself “what does all this have to do with pie?” It has everything to do with pie. Although Jennifer has had a lot on her mind, she has posted on her blog a couple of times over the past few days to honor the memory of her husband. Her latest post had a request:
“For those asking what they can do to help my healing process, make a peanut butter pie this Friday and share it with someone you love. Then hug them like there’s no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on.”
So to help Jennifer’s healing process the blogasphere has pulled together and flooded the internet with peanut butter pies today. It’s amazing how people who don’t know each other, but have a common tie, will pull together to support one of their fellow bloggers in a time of saddness or need. So in honor of Mikey, here is a Peanut Butter Reeses Pie.
Peanut Butter Reeses Pie
Ingredients:
1 Pie crust, baked and cooled
1 1/2 Cups (1 lb) creamy peanut butter
1 Cup heavy whipping cream
1 (14oz) can sweetend, condensed milk
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 package mini Reeses cups
Directions:
Place cream in a bowl of a stand mixer. Fit mixer with a whisk attachment and turn mixer on high and beat cream until fluffy and peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter and cream cheese and whisk on high until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the condensed milk and whisk together on medium until well combined.
Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, until combined. Lastly, fold the remaining whipped cream into the peanut butter, but do not over mix.
Line the bottom of the pie crust with the mini Reeses cup, forming a solid layer. Pour the peanut butter filling into the prepared pie shell. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve as is, with drizzled chocolate and/or peanut butter, and/or whipped cream.
Recipe source: Lynsey original
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