A few years ago, I was lamenting to a friend about why some boy wasn’t interested in me. My friend simply said, “he’s a vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and probably looking for another piece of vanilla cake with vanilla frosting. You’re more like a spiced carrot cake with mascarpone icing and just hold out until you find someone that can appreciate all your layers of flavor.” That was probably the best relationship advice I ever got. So if you’re also not a traditional apple pie or a chocolate birthday cake, don’t fret. Wouldn’t you prefer a drizzle of heat, crunch, and a sprinkling of surprise?
When I wrote a recipe and story for the February issue of Bridges Magazine, I wasn’t about to discuss chocolates, diamonds or roses. For any of you that have kept up with my SugarCube ramblings, you know those aren’t my favorite things. Recipe HERE.
sounds delicious – spicy, salty – just what the Dr (Pepper) ordered. Love it!!
HaHa! Thanks Michele.. I sooo appreciate you always stopping by.
I like pie, pepitas & Dr. Pepper! And the pink peppercorns (which I’ve never had) make it fresh & pretty for spring–I bet it tastes amazing!
Rachel- I think you’d love the pink peppercorns. Not hot, but a killer flavor.
Outrageous! I love those Pyrex (and/or Fire King) dishes. I think I remember them from my grandmother’s kitchen! That apron, though—-that is too cool!
Eliot- Thank you darling. Those are all Pyrex. I love nothing more than scoring a piece at a rummage sale or thrift store. It’s such a rush. PS.. You had one cool grandma..
A little sweet, a little spicy, works for me.
.
.
.
Oh, I meant the pie, but the same’s true of its creator.
James- Thank you honey! You always make me laugh.
I like the way you think and I love the way you invent. Truly trendsetting and inspiring. We should have a contest of giving you 3 separate ingredients for a recipe and see what you can come up with. I bet we would be amazed.
Gary- You always make my day. Funny you should mention the 3-ingredient challenge. I almost applied to be on the show “Chopped”, but what would I do if the items weren’t sugar-laced??? Thanks so much for always stopping by.
Hello Jenny/Ms. Sugarcube, thank you so much for commenting on my post and sharing this exciting recipe. I loved the photos on this post and finally getting to know what’s in the pie. Great pictures too!
Mister Tiffin Unboxed! Thank YOU sooo much for all your kind words. I love your blog. I sooo want to come to LA for a neighborhood food tour. Come on back to Camp-Sugarcube and say, “HI”!
This nice too! Love your energy in each one of the posts. You are a true creative culinary talent
Ahhh.. Thanks Miss Mitzi! Right back at ya, you talented gal!
Best relationship advice ever. And I am definitely a Dr. PPPPP kinda gal. Love the recipe and as always you are too adorable.
Evelyn- Thank you sooooooo much! You have meet in person one of these days. Kisses!
Your recipes get cuter and cuter. I’m so not a baker kinda girl but I can give you a solid cheer for it’s presentation and descriptions. Much lovies. Gera Smooch
Miss you G$$! Thanks a heap and then some. Smooch, smooch darling.
You are so creative.. I love your stories!!! Love the gingersnap crust idea too!
Thanks Linda! You’ve gotta try the recipe. Addicting!
I like the salty sweet aspect of this. And pepitas are a nice and unique way of introducing the salt, compared to salty peanuts or pistachios. I think this is a truly signature dish! Especially with the soda!
Thank you Junie! This was the pie I entered in the TIM BURTON contest. I competed against (252 others). I didn’t win the contest, but I still love this pie. Thanks for stopping by sweetie.
Firstly, let me say congrats to you for the publication and thank you for putting the link here! Very creative combo of salty and sweet. Not surprising that it got published. I am saving this one-yum!
Regarding your friend’s advice-I do agree with them. A conservative, go along with the crowd person is definitely not a good match for you! Even though I have never met you in person, your writing and photos do reflect that you are a very bubbly and outgoing. Enjoy the day!
Miss Tina- You always have the kindest, kindest things to say. Thank you to the moon and back. We must meet up in person sooner than later. I really, really enjoy your blog. Your desserts are mad-crazy-good!
You are one of the spiciest chicks I know, you don’t march to the beat of your own drum, you dance to it! The pie looks awesome!
Sonya- What in the world would I do without you? Thank you for all the love and support. I need to do a shenanigan with you!! What desserts did we eat during the college daze?
I LOVE your apron and your pie!!! And that relationship advice was spot on, too. Off to read your article…congrats on the publication. YOU are the star!!!!
Liz– thanks a million! You are sooo kind. I hope to meet up one of these days. Are you going to any foodie conferences this year?
Instant pudding, Dr. Pepper and Cool Whip?! Why, that’s right up there with Shake ‘n Bake!!!
Brilliant.
Ruby- I think it’s the perrrrfect dessert with your retro-jazzed-up Shake ‘n Baken Chicken. Girlll.. We’d make a great culinary team. Thanks so much for stopping by. It always makes me day.
You are simply a genious my dear! Peppercorns and pie? Sweet and spicy- sounds amazing! Love the shoes, love the apron and really love the relationship advice! Thank god for spiced carrot cake! Rock on VSC!
Kika Darling- I wish I could quickly say, “Many Thanks” in 30 different languages to ya!
Dr. Pepper pie! Only you could come up with something this unique…the pie looks awesome and love the pictures as usual.
Snehal- Thank you sooooo much! I equally love all of your fabulous culinary creations.
So PROUD of you Jenny, keep up the GREAT work! XOXO
Summer- Thank you to the moon, for all your continued support and love from the GET GO!!
What a fantastic post – wonderful dessert (my mouth is watering) and great article – fantastic!! I’m signing up to follow!
Mary x
Mary- sooo sooo happy that you stopped by Camp Sugarcube. I adore your blog as well. Cheers darling!
Beautiful post and advice you got. I lOve it!!
Thanks Miss Tiff! It just came to me the other day, and glad it did! Thanks sooo very much for stopping by. We sure need to meet up one of these days.
This is why everyone loves you so much – spicy, hot and your fabulous red do’! Love your style!
Miss Susan- Thank you sooooo very much! I adore you and your artwork. Hope to see you at the Southpark Walkabout. XOXO
That is the best relationship advice I’ve ever heard. And much-needed.
Love this pie. Cool Whip is the best!
Thanks Laura! I’m soo thrilled I’m not the only one that thinks so. When are you coming to LA? We need to meet up.
Ok you have expanded my mind with this 3 p combo of Pie, Pepitas and Doc Pepper. But that far off photo of you in the alley, is a work of art. GREG
Greg- It’s always a rush hearing from a celebrity like yourself. I will pass on your kind words to Mister Elijah about his photography. I’m going to have to bride him with more desserts to snap some more pics for me. Smooches and look forward to hearing more from you and your friends on itunes.
Hey Jenny! It was such a pleasure to meet you the other week. I love your take on modern desserts and will have to try a recipe when I get the time. Holler if you ever get up to Orange County, I promise not to bombard you with my flock of chickens.
[K]
P.S. I love your hair. And your apron. And… your pie, and… I just love it all.
I’ve had pink peppercorns in truffles and ice cream. Lovely addition. Adds such a mysterious note that you can’t help but love.
Carolyn- Thanks for stopping by. I completely agree! I should have added this in my story, but.. I first dessert I ever had pink peppercorns was in a molasses cookie in Canada last year. I think I’d love it in ice cream too!
I think this is the coolest pie I’ve seen in ages, and that’s the coolest piece of relationship advice I’ve heard too! I’ll definitely pass it on to my teenage kids because it’ll get them in the right frame of mind when it comes to the opposite sex, and understand why some people behave the way they mysteriously do. You’re more than a food blogger, Ms. Jenny….you’re the best example life has to offer! <3
Maya- You make my heart smile (thank YOU). We will meet up one of these days. That I know for sure.
Can always count on a fun post from you
To be honest, I can’t even imagine what it must taste like! I haven’t had Dr Pepper is yonks, come to think of it.
And seriously, when it boils down to it, that relationship advice is spot on.
Bryt- thanks for stopping by and checking out my shenanigan-of-the-month.. I swear it tastes muchoooo better than you would think.
Made this and then made it again, but swapped out real whipped cream for the Cool Whip and made “pudding” from scratch over and steeping an addition of peppercorns in the Dr. Pepper while heating. Bumped the mouthfeel and intensity significantly, but I prefer strong flavors and the mouthfeel of dairy. from the cream.
Dear Pomme- You must be a culinary genius. I’m over here swooning on the thought to infuse the Dr. Pepper. I bet your pie tasted fierce! hmmmmm mmmm hmmmm! Thanks soo much for stopping by and taking time to leave me a comment.
Your posts are always a lot of fun! This pie looks delicious and pretty. I love the idea of using pink peppercorn!!
Thank you Reiko.. Glad we found each other’s blogs. I’m tickled PINK!
What a great flavor combo and fun pics, as always!
Sommer- That’s a major, ginormous compliment, coming from the culinary diva that is YOU! Thanks sooo much darling.
Yet again Miss JJ, you blow my skirt up with your wild womanly ways! Keep up the fantastic work!
Haha!! Skirt a’blow’n are always a good thing in my book… Thanks a mill for stopping by Mizz LLJ!
I have the most fun when I visit your blog. You are truly a blast, and the pie is amazing. Love the pepitas!
Ohhhhhhhh Miz Kristi.. Thank you for your sweetness
Your friend described it so well…and gosh..you look so gorgeous holding that pie…sexy…I would say.
)
Somehow you reminds me of that sexy Joan in Mad Man
Angie- You just mad me blush brighter red than my wig. I heart Joan something fierce. Muah and Muah again!
It’s such an unusual pie, we should all try it. Amazing and, as always, fun and fancy photos. Love it
Joanne – Hollar on that! Thanks honey.
That vintage Hire Root Beer sign is one of my favorite spots downtown — I love that you included it in your beautiful photos!! And what a fun recipe too!
Darlene- This comment made me beyond happy! I’m soooo darn glad I’m not the only one in San Diego that appreciates that cool-$ss sign. This is one of the many reasons that I adore YOU!
Amazing pictures!!! As usual!!! The recipe looks exotic and exciting too!
Lisa-Gabriella- Thank you honey! Anything exotic is good in my book! Have a great weekend!!
Just watched the premiere of the new Mad Men season and need another dose of nostalgia with flair. There is only one place to go for this – VCS. Love the style, the accessories, and the recipe. Need to take the day off Monday to finally try the recipe!
Suzanne- Ooooo la la.. Wow! I like the comparison. And hope you can make the pie. xo
You’re looking all famous and fabulous in that magazine with a recipe that is just as unique as you are. Make sure that the people who come into your life are just as special as your food.
Ginormous thanks to the Dynamic-Duo Dishes. That’s the best piece of advice I’ve gotten in a really looooong time. Thank you both again. Smooches.
I’ve never, ever heard of this dessert before. It sounds completely divine! And this is coming from someone suffering from acute chocolatitis disease, mind you! Oh, and I love, love, love the apron by the way. I just saw something about a really cool online apron store the other day… hang on a minute. Here’s the link; http://www.jessiesteele.com/kitchen/kitchen-aprons/hostess-aprons.html
Keep rockin’ the great recipes and your fabulous style!
Carlo- It’s such a rush to see a new face over at Camp Sugarcube. Thank you sooooo very much. And let’s chat about those aprons?? Wowza! I want one of those the next time I host a party. The heck with a bottle of wine. Friends??? Are you listening? Hint! Hint!
I’m not even sure where to start! This recipe is a one-of-a-kind to say the least, and your friend gives amazing advice. I think I’ll use that line for a few friends I know
Miss Sara- Thank you, thank you and thank you.. I think that advice was pretty darn good too. XOXO
Jenny, the pie sounds delicious!! Pics are great as usual and I have that exact orange bowl at home. Thanks for sharing, Jenn
Jenn- thanks a heap for stopping by and your kind words. I sooo need to see the rest of your vintage pyrex collection.
Wow, what a fantastic looking pie, I love the peppercorn edge
Thank you so much Miss CanalCook… It’s always a pleasure to see a new face around here. I’ll be popping back to your site to see what London adventures and tasty treats you’re whipping up.
What a cake! I’d take this over vanilla cake and vanilla frosting anyway ; ) Yum!
Russell.. Thanks for stopping by and I LOVE the way you think.
Ooo, how awesome to be featured!! Also – LOVE your apron – it’s so, so, so cute.
Mary- Thanks, thanks, and more thanks!! I wish I could afford a different apron for every day of the week!
OH MY! This post is delicious, from your shoes to your hair to that PAH to OMG the apron!!! and the Pyrex!!! I sew aprons from vintage patterns and have a collection of Delphite that comes out for special baking and entertaining days. Thanks for reminding me we are overdue for some of that!
Trish- Thanks sooo much.. I hope you break out that Delphite pronto! I know it will make a meal sizzle!
jenny! you are a hoot, and smart as an owl! just catching up with your sugarcubes. you know where I live, so… we’re a little behind here, as in just got a computer. (omg, please don’t tell anyone!) that top pyrex bowl sure looks familiar…i’m just sayin
Dee Dee – You are too too kind. I’m pretty computer challenged at times, so never feel bad. Thank you so much for stopping by.