12 June 2011

Loving Missy's Pies: Lexington, Kentucky


When the original Ramsey's Diner opened in 1989 on
High Street in Lexington, Kentucky, its tiny kitchen
was soon overwhelmed with business--all that comfort food: meatloaf, hot browns, and homemade pie had found a following. As a result, the story goes, when the small space next door became available, owner Rob Ramsey purchased it to set it up as a pie shop for his lead prep cook, Missy. Before Missy ever set foot in the shop, however, she decided to follow her heart to Connecticut (to marry). But the name stuck, and even though there was never a "Missy" in the pie shop, nor was she ever heard from again-- the prize winning pies commenced being produced--and are still being turned out today in 2011. You can get a slice at Ramsey's Diner, or stop in Missy's and take a whole pie home with you--or tuck it in a basket and take it for a picnic in the beautiful bluegrass hills nearby. My favorite--the MayDay pie is a take on the chocolate pecan number known as Derby Pie (a trademarked name). I'm searching for a recipe as we 'cyber speak'--and hope to find one. Otherwise I've got to make another trip to Lexington soon. For more information about the Lexington area, check out my story today in the Minneapolis Star Tribune travel section: "A gallop through bluegrass." And for a perfect mint julep recipe--look for a blog post here soon. Or even better, just head over to Jonathan's at Gratz Park for quite possibly the most perfect mint julep I've ever tasted. Best of all, it's served in the traditional silver cup. It's icy, refreshingly delicious--and beautiful to boot. (Oh, and that'd be a riding boot in this horse country.)

2 comments:

  1. I came across your blog today and thought you my enjoy my copycat version of Missy's Mayday. I'm an avid fan of both Ramsey's and Missy's so I hope this helps you out.


    MayDay Pie

    1 pie crust pre-made
    1 stick margarine or butter
    1 cup sugar
    2 eggs
    1 tsp vanilla
    2/3 cup flour
    1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    1/2 cup pecans
    1 cup chocolate chips

    1. Combine sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour; mix until ingredients are incorporated.

    2. Melt butter, and allow it to cool a bit; pour butter into mixed ingredients very slowly. Mix to combine. Add nuts and stir just until incorporated.

    3. Sprinkle chips into the bottom of the pie crust. Pour mixture over.

    Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

    That's really it. Super easy.

    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing your recipe for MayDay Pie--I can't wait to try it!

    ReplyDelete