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MICHAEL FRANCIS SMITH

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 10:02am

June 2, 1945 – June 28, 2018
Michael Francis Smith, affectionately known as Mike, passed away at the age of 73 in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Mike was born in Oakdale, La. on June 2, 1945, the second of six children born to the late Frank Smith and Lois Duhon Smith. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. A hard worker and dedicated employee, Mike worked for nearly 36 years for Columbian Chemicals where he retired from in 2013. Anyone who knew Mike can attest to his humble nature and magnetic personality that drew you in and made you feel like you were the only other person in the room. He had a smile that didn’t quit and could light up the darkest of days. He gave his love freely and was just as easy to love in return. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing and duck hunting. But even these cherished outings paled in comparison to his love for the Lord and his family. His deep faith in Jesus Christ carried him through some of the most difficult times a man can go through and drove him to always put the needs of others first, despite his own trials. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his mother, Lois Duhon Smith; his daughter, Marlene Smith Touchet and her husband Kevin of Jennings; six grandchildren, Austin Dwayne Hodges and Kamryn Victoria Hodges, both of Baton Rouge, and Kennedy, Kendal, Kenzie and Josie Mikal Touchet, all of Jennings; five siblings, Charlotte Dickey, Warren Smith, Nancy Trahan, Carl Smith, and Bill Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Jeanette Brown Smith; his son, Michael Shane Smith; his daughter, Krista Wynette Smith; and his father, Frank Smith.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a time of remembrance on Monday, July 2, 2018, at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Jeanerette from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral services celebrating his life and love for the Lord will begin at 11 a.m. at the church. Graveside services will be held later that day in Resthaven Cemetery in Oakdale where he will be laid to rest with his wife, son, and daughter. Pastor Wesley Jackson will preside over the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Touchet, Warren Smith, Bill Smith, Carl Smith, Graham Dickey, and Thad Dickey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly consider making contributions in Mike’s name to the American Cancer Society: by mail at PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, online at www.cancer.org, or by phone at 1-800-227-2345.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Arrest Reports 7-2-18

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 10:02am

Franklin Police Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported the following arrests:
Samantha Jones, 34, of Seventh Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 10:45 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of theft.
Jones was booked, processed, and remains incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
Dewellyn Howard Sr., 37, of Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 12:34 p.m. on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family. Howard was booked, processed and held on a $4,882 bond.
James Johnson, 69, of Robertson Street, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 4:47 p.m. on the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. Johnson was booked, processed, and released to appear in 16th Judicial District Court.
Arthur Ross, 22, of Duchamp Road, Broussard, was arrested Saturday at 10:51 p.m. on charges of establishing of speed zones, possession of Schedule I narcotics—second offense, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile. Ross was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.
Paul Antoine, 17, of Tenth Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 6:39 p.m. on the charge of simple assault. Antoine was booked, processed, and held on a $1,000 bond.
Ernest Blanks, 19, of Avenue D, Dickinson, Texas, was arrested Sunday at 6:58 p.m. on charges of simple battery and theft. Blanks was booked, processed, and held on a $4,000 bond.
Colby Spain, 35, of Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday at 2:15 a.m. on warrants for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on charges of criminal neglect of family. Spain was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Jonathan Sanders Sr., 37, of 204 South Penn Road, Baldwin, was arrested Friday at 1:25 p.m. on charges of reckless operation with accident, no driver’s license and resisting arrest.
Deputies patrolling the area of Franklin responded to a crash on La. 182 near Irish Bend Road. Deputies made contact with the driver, Sanders, who initially refused to provide information. Deputies found evidence that Sanders operated the vehicle recklessly, causing him to crash. Deputies also learned that Sanders was operating the vehicle without a license. Sanders was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. No bail is set.
Ingrid Jack, 27, of 229 Pickett Lane, Franklin, was arrested Friday at 5:01 p.m. on charges of no insurance, no driver’s license, improper backing and failure to report accident.
A deputy patrolling St. Joseph responded to a residence on Pickett Lane, for a crash. The deputy learned that the victim’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle that left the scene prior to his arrival. The deputy found evidence that Jack was the registered owner of the vehicle that left the scene. The deputy made contact with Jack and learned that she was operating said vehicle without insurance and without a driver’s license. Jack was released on a summons.
Keenze Howard Sr., 53, of 163 Easy Street, Franklin, was arrested Friday at 5:05 p.m. on the charge of domestic abuse battery.
Deputies responded to a residence on Easy Street for a domestic abuse complaint. The deputy learned that Howard struck the victim several times. Howard was transported to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office for booking and incarceration. Howard was released.
April Phillips, 38, of 1504 Main St., Franklin, was arrested Friday at 9:41 p.m. on the charge of theft.
Emilie Elkins, 25, of 317 Gilbeau Road, Lafayette, was arrested Friday at 9:41 p.m. on the charge of theft.
Tonya Clements, 31, of 114 Lee Charles Street, Franklin, was arrested Friday at 9:41 p.m. on the charge of theft.
Deputies patrolling Bayou Vista responded to a local business for a shoplifting complaint. Deputies learned that several items were taken from the store. Through the investigation, deputies made contact with Phillips, Elkins, and Clements and recovered the items that were reported stolen. Phillips, Elkins, and Clements were all released on a summons.
Joseph Lumpkin, 55, of 311 Martin Luther King Blvd., Baldwin, was arrested Saturday at 3:52 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
While investigating an unrelated complaint, deputies made contact with Lumpkin and learned of the warrant for his arrest. Lumpkin was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. No bail is set.
Tyrone Weber, 34, of 101 Kerry Lane, Charenton, was arrested Saturday at 3:33 p.m. on a warrant for charges of speeding, stop sign violation, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana and possession of Alprazolam.
A deputy patrolling the Charenton area made contact with Weber on Kerry Lane in regards to having an active warrant for his arrest. The warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred earlier during the morning. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a vehicle being operated by Weber. During the course of the stop, Weber exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies observed marijuana in the ashtray of the vehicle, and during a search, located a plastic bag containing Alprazolam pills. Weber was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. Weber was released on a $7,500 bond.
Jacoby Chevalier, 33, of 602 Sebby Lane, Bayou Vista, was arrested Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on charges of hit and run, driving under suspension and driving while intoxicated.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista responded to a crash in the parking lot of a local business. While en route to the business, the deputy received a description of a vehicle that left the scene prior to his arrival. The deputy located said vehicle and made contact with the driver, Chevalier. Upon making contact with Chevalier, the deputy noticed a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person. The deputy conducted standardized field sobriety and Chevalier performed poorly. Chevalier registered a 0.286g% blood alcohol concentration on a breath test. The deputy also learned that Chevalier was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Chevalier was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. Bail is set at $7,000.
Brandon Pike, 24, of 214 Chauvin Drive, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 9:41 p.m. on the charge of domestic abuse battery child endangerment law.
Lacey Foret, 24, of 203 St. Peter St., Patterson was arrested Saturday at 9:41 p.m. on the charge of domestic abuse battery child endangerment law.
Deputies responded to Teche Regional Medical Center for a domestic abuse incident that took place at a residence on Ratcliff Lane. The deputy made contact with Foret and learned that she and Pike were involved in a physical altercation. The deputy found evidence that the altercation took place in the presence of minor children. Pike and Foret were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. Pike and Foret were both released on a $3,500 bond.
Brennan Skinner Sr., 25, of 1061 Grace St., Siracusa, was arrested Sunday at 2:44 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of simple escape, a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of attempted possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
A deputy patrolling the Morgan City area made contact with Skinner at a local business. The learned of active warrants for Skinner’s arrest. Skinner was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Luis Corrales, 32, of 112 Hotard Lane, Bayou Vista, was arrested Sunday at 11:58 a.m. on a warrant for charges of criminal damage to property and domestic abuse battery child endangerment law.
A deputy made contact with Corrales on Hotard Lane in regard to an active warrant. The warrant stemmed from a domestic abuse complaint reported in March of 2017.
A deputy found evidence that Corrales struck the victim in the presence of minor children, and also damaged property belonging to the victim. Corrales was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. No bail is set.
Ricky Simon, 60, of 108 Romero Lane, Jeanerette, was arrested Sunday at 8:40 p.m. on the charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated.
Deputies patrolling the Jeanerette area responded to a disturbance on Romero Lane. During the course of the investigation, deputies found evidence that Simon was heavily intoxicated and became irate with several individuals in the area. Simon was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. Simon was released on a $1,000 bond.
Blake Dinger, 25, of 330 Neptune St., Bayou Vista, was arrested Sunday at 10:58 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of contempt of court, obedience to officers and traffic signs.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista made contact with Dinger on Neptune Street and learned of an active warrant for his arrest. Dinger was transported to the St. Mary Law Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. Bail is set at $350.

Franklin Mayor, City Council sworn in Sunday

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 10:00am

Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard was inaugurated Sunday evening at the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts on Main Street in Franklin.
Foulcard and members of Franklin City Council were sworn in by Judge James B. Supple in front of an audience attending with standing-room only.
The ceremony lasted an hour during which Franklin’s Interim Police Chief Tina Thibodeaux was appointed by Foulcard, with City Attorney Russell J. Cremaldi explaining the mechanics by which such an appointment was necessary until a permanent appointee should be presented. According to Cremaldi, a local civil service board will soon be providing a list of certified candidates for the position.
Foulcard’s inaugural address thanked his family, friends and peers, and outlined some of the points on which he said he intends to focus during his administration.
He touched on the decreased sales tax rates in the parish and pointed to a “recent exodus” of citizenry from the parish as the culprit, adding, “But, I want you to know, that I ain’t going nowhere. I’m not leaving. I’m staying here because there’s no place like home. I’m staying here because I truly believe that everything I want and need for my family, is right here under the lamp posts.”
He went on to address plans to deal with crime, infrastructure, economic development, recreation and the city’s profile.
In discussing dealing with crime, Foulcard said he didn’t want to go into too much detail until he had consulted with the several departments concerned; but did say, “Whatever plan we take, we will need each and every one of you. We cannot do this alone. Our community cannot reach its full potential relying solely on law enforcement alone, and then criticizing the actions they do or don’t take.”
He urged that citizens “not take the law into their own hands,” but confirmed leaning toward a possible community-assisted law enforcement policy.
In addressing infrastructure, Foulcard said he intends to utilize funds from the parish and will “continue to shed light on issues as they relate to infrastructure by pursuing capital outlay funds.”
Economic development was addressed in the form of a familiar tone from his campaign. “We will work with existing businesses and we will work to attract new businesses to our area,” he said. “I know we’ve heard before, ‘We’ve tried that already,’ and I say, ‘Let’s try it again.’”
Foulcard also said he would like to see a semi-annual job fair, to benefit employers and job-seekers alike.
In a nod to “open government,” Foulcard said he would like to create an initiative by which citizens could attend a “town talk” to “air complaints, so that we could begin resolving some of the issues we have in our great city.”
He also expressed concern at the city’s lack of a civic center. But he said the theater could and should be considered as the potential draw to Franklin, which he thinks it is capable of being.
He further addressed recreation through expressing a commitment to securing funding to further beautify the area near the bayou, and arrange for the replacement or refurbishing of playground equipment at the city’s parks and recreation centers.
He closed by saying he is “ready, willing and able,” to address the outlined concerns with the help of the council. But he also called for the assistance of every Franklinite, saying, “We need all of you. We need your help”
“I invite you tonight to join with me and this council by believing that everything you need and want is right here under the lamp posts.”

Wheel House for July 2

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:59am

UNITY PRAYER
Area pastors host a Community/Unity Prayer Service 6 p.m. Tuesdays. July 3 meeting at Mt. Era Baptist Church, 406 Lawrence St., Morgan City. Public invited.

PRE-ANNIVERSARY
Living in the Light Ministries, 2106 La. 182 East, Bayou Vista, hosting its pastor’s pre-anniversary service at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3. Guest speaker Bishop Doreen Francis. Minister of music will be Evangelist Casey Sears.

ANNIVERSARY
Living in the Light Ministries, 2106 La. 182 East, Bayou Vista, hosting its pastor’s 19-year anniversary celebration at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4. Guest speaker Apostle John Brown, Abundant Harvest Christian Center, Duluth, Georgia.

Louisiana Spotlight: Tax deal was about politics, not policy

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:54am

Analysis: Louisiana tax deal was about politics, not policy
By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Maybe it was Louisiana lawmakers’ exhaustion after four legislative sessions this year. Maybe everyone was so ready to go home they caved and voted for what would get them there. Maybe the urgency of cuts only days away suddenly felt very real.
Whatever the reason, good tax policy had little to do with the final tax and budget deal that Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and a bipartisan mix of lawmakers in the GOP-led Legislature crafted to wrap up their third special session and avoid steep spending reductions.
Many lawmakers seemed almost giddy — dancing, clapping and taking selfies — after the agreement was struck and they could end the tense, frustrating months of arguing about state spending.
At the end, House lawmakers only were bickering over fractions of a cent, but the divided chamber still almost couldn’t reach a deal.
The unexpected path to a final compromise — to renew 0.45 percent of an expiring 1 percent state sales tax and raise $463 million to stave off cuts — came from an unlikely person, Baton Rouge Republican Rep. Paula Davis.
Davis, a real estate agent, is a freshman lawmaker who has largely avoided public controversy since taking office, not carrying the types of controversial bills that would suggest she’d put herself in the middle of a maelstrom over taxes. She didn’t vote for either sales tax proposal in the second special session that cratered without a deal.
But Davis is well-liked among members, not abra-sive. And, as she told Baton Rouge Republican Sen. Dan Claitor on his local radio show: “I have pretty thick skin.” That might have been exactly what was needed.
Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras warned sales tax bill sponsors to be prepared.
Barras said he told them “this one could get more emotional, more intense, ‘cause this is our final chance, so to speak. And I just need to make sure you’re level-headed, remain strong, can handle it until the end because it’s going to get probably messy before we get there.”
The House speaker, who helped block previous agree-ments on taxes, also gave lawmakers trying to rally tax votes an assurance. He said he told them if one of their tax measures had enough support to pass, “I will not stop that process.”
When the deal on the 0.45 tax rate came up for approv-al, Barras supported it, lighting up his green button early enough to show other reticent Republicans his decision.
“At the moment we most needed you, you stood up and made things happen,” said Rep. Sam Jones, a Franklin Democrat and close ally of Edwards.
Though House GOP leader Lance Harris didn’t support the final tax, he didn’t work to block it, a critical decision that helped pass the deal. And business groups quietly backed the bill, important because their opposition could have tanked a tax with Re-publicans.
The Senate saw little public dispute since Republican Senate President John Alario is the consummate dealmaker behind the scenes. Democratic Senate leaders, such as Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chairman J.P. Morrell, who didn’t favor sales taxes as the path to a budget fix, reached agreements on funding priorities that helped remove their opposition.
Of course, the urgency of budget cuts only days away that threatened to eliminate food stamps and force college students to scramble to fill gaps in TOPS tuition aid amped up the scrambling for agreement. The final deal avoided all the worst-case-scenario reductions.
Perhaps one of the largest driving factors to reaching a compromise was the desire to leave the Louisiana Capitol without worry another special session was right around the corner. Legislative absences have ticked upward all year, with some lawmakers missing a third or more votes during some sessions.
The House and Senate have spent 46 weeks — nearly an entire year — in session since 2016, as Edwards repeatedly called them back to work on closing budget gaps.
Sen. Jack Donahue, the Mandeville Republican who handled Davis’ sales tax bill in the Senate, told senators: “I know you all are as sick of this as I am. It seems like we’ve been here forever. I’d like to go home.”

Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisi-ana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

NORMAN JACK 'SCOOBY' WEBER

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:52am

September 13, 1950-June 30, 2018
Norman Jack “Scooby” Weber Sr., 67, a resident of Berwick, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
Jack was born on September 13, 1950, in Houma, Louisiana.
Jack loved to be in the outdoors on the water fishing or traveling. He enjoyed his work as a pile driver with Berry Brothers General Contractors. He was a fixture at Ganaway’s in Berwick and loved to greet everyone who came in to the store, and he also enjoyed his scratch off tickets.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by four children, Chantelle Miller of Patterson, Norman Weber Jr. of Berwick, Jonathan Weber of Bayou L’Ourse and Christopher Pittman of Morgan City; four grandchildren, Brandon Miller, Layla Ann Weber, Colby Pittman and Conan Pittman; and one sister, Rose Melancon of Houma.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home with a visitation being held from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the services, Jack will be laid to rest in the Berwick Cemetery.

AUDREY BEADLE LANDRY

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:46am

January 10, 1945 - June 30, 2018
Audrey Beadle Landry, a former longtime resident of Patterson and a resident of Morgan City for the past 15 years, passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Houma.
Audrey was born on January 10, 1945, in Morgan City, one of six children born to the late Erwin Paul Beadle Sr. and the late Mary Lela Wooters Beadle. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who enjoyed all that life had to offer. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards, especially Canasta. But what truly brought the most joy to her life was her family. Nothing made her happier than get-togethers with all of her family, including extended family and friends alike.
She will live on in the hearts and memories of her son, Brian Charles Landry and his fiancée Tonya Gowan; her daughter, Laurie Landry Farmer; grandson, Nicholas Charles Farmer; granddaughters, Maggie Frances Landry and Paige Marie Landry and their mother Andrea Matte; brothers, Sherwin Beadle and Clarence Beadle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Erwin Sr. and Mary Lela, Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lyman Landry; grandson, Bradley James Farmer; sisters, Mary Louise Ramirez and Lela Mae Bergeron; and brother, Erwin Paul Beadle Jr.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, with Father Clyde Mahler officiat-ing. Following the services, she will be laid to rest with her husband in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Volunteer reading program

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:43am

Submitted Photo
These fifth-grade students participated in the Volunteer Reading Listeners Program at M.E. Norman Elementary School. They are, from left: Jakeelah Steele, Noah Guarisco, Ava Loupe, Christopher Morgan, Xadrian Stelly, Lyndi Cooper, Kynley Dekerlegand, Dru Dilsaver, Autumn Mason, Kylen Walker, Amori Robinson, Rachel Robin, Diamynn Johnson, Carmaine Green, Jeffery Ramirez and Gavin Smart. Also shown are mentors and volunteer reading listeners Cathy Landry, Herman Hartman and Earl Johnson.

Performance at Carnegie Hall

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 9:37am

Submitted Photo
Triplets (from left) Victoria, Savannah and McKenna Thomas, granddaughters of Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Thomas of Berwick, traveled to New York City on June 12 to perform at Carnegie Hall as National Festival Chorus participants and members of Chorale Des Amis Youth Chorus of Acadiana. The program featured five classical selections under the direction of guest conductor Z. Randall Stoope. The girls were accompanied by their grandparents and by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Courtland Thomas. The triplets will be sophomores at Southside High School in Youngsville this fall.

COOKING ON DEADLINE: Ice cream pie has surprise inside

Mon, 07/02/2018 - 8:20am

By KATIE WORKMAN, The Associated Press

If you want to end a summer celebration or gathering with a big old bang, you would be hard pressed to pick a better dessert than an ice cream pie. Somehow, ice cream stuffed into a pie crust just seems so much more festive and decadent and sultry than bowls of ice cream.
And it’s one of the easiest-to-make treats on the planet. Especially this version, with the classic chocolate, vanilla and peanut butter cup thing happening. Not to mention the whipped cream.
Often, ice cream pies have cookie crusts of some sort, but I had a refrigerated pie crust hanging around and decided to blind bake the crust and use that as the base for this pie. Blind baking means baking a pie crust on its own, so that it can be fully cooked and wonderfully flaky before you start piling in a filling that doesn’t need to be cooked, like a chocolate mousse or all kinds of icebox pies.
For this recipe, fit the pie dough (homemade or from a package) into the pan, line the dough with parchment paper, cover it with weights of some sort (like dried rice or beans) so the dough stays in place without shrinking or bubbling, and bake it. There are also pie weights available for the dedicated baker.
A few other tips: Leaving the crust in the freezer for an hour or so before putting it in the oven helps it keep its shape while baking. Also, save the rice or beans you used to weigh down the crust for another time. Place them in a jar and label them “baking beans” or “baking rice,” and they won’t go to waste (you can’t cook them once they’ve been in the oven).
For the cleanest, smoothest layers, pop the pie back into the freezer for a bit after you add each layer of ice cream. If you have thought ahead enough to spread the pie-building process over a full day or two, this is very doable. But if a magazine-quality cross- section isn’t your deepest wish, then skip that step and just spread the ice cream layers carefully, so they remain discrete from one another.
The pie will keep for five days in the freezer. Make the whipped cream just before serving. You can also slice the pie without with the whipped cream, and serve individual slices with whipped cream added to each piece if you prefer.
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUP ICE CREAM PIE
Start to finish: 5 hours (more if you spread out the steps)
1 refrigerated pie crust
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 pint chocolate ice cream
25 miniature peanut butter cups, chilled and coarsely chopped, divided
¾ cup cold heavy cream
3 Tbsp. confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Let the pie crust sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before starting. To blind bake the crust, transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press it into the pan, into the corners and up the sides. Fold edges underneath themselves to form a thick rim that hangs just over the edge of the pie pan. Crimp edges attractively. Place crust in the freezer and chill for 30 minutes to one hour (you can also leave it overnight if you want to get this step done ahead of time).
Before you take the pie out, preheat oven to 375 F. Prick the crust in several places with a fork. Line the inside of the crust with parchment paper, then fill it with dry rice or dried beans. Bake crust for 20 minutes, and then carefully remove parchment paper with the grains or beans inside. Return crust to the oven and bake for another 18 to 20 minutes, until crust is golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Take both ice creams out of the freezer and let soften slightly. In a medium-size bowl, combine vanilla ice cream with ¾ of the peanut butter cups, blending until they are well combined.
Scoop half of the chocolate ice cream into cooled crust, spread it evenly, and smooth top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. (See Cooking Tip at bottom).
Turn vanilla ice cream with the peanut butter cups on top of the chocolate ice cream and spread that out evenly, trying not to disrupt the bottom chocolate ice cream layer. Scoop the remaining chocolate ice cream on top, and smooth out that layer.
Return pie to the freezer to firm up completely, at least 3 hours and up to 5 days. If storing the pie for more than a few hours, cover the top tightly with plastic wrap.
Just before you are ready to serve the pie, place the cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend cream until firm peaks just form. Scoop whipped cream attractively over the top of the pie and sprinkle with remaining peanut butter cup pieces. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften just slightly before cutting.
Use a sharp knife that has been dipped into a cup of hot water and then wiped dry to cut slices of the pie. Dip and wipe between each slice.
Cooking Tip: To make sure layers are even and unblended, place pie in the freezer for about 30 minutes between each ice cream layer addition. That allows each layer to firm up before more ice cream is added. Keep softened ice cream in the fridge while the pie is freezing between stages.
Serves 8-10
—Nutrition information per serving: 465 calories; 263 calories from fat; 29 g fat (15 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 60 mg cholesterol; 231 mg sodium; 48 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 34 g sugar; 7 g protein.
Katie Workman has written two cookbooks focused on easy, family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at http://www.themom100.com/about-katie-workman.