The first-day pie probably should be something I’ve made before and something that would be a surefire promoter for the bake sale, but it’s Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated here in San Diego with processions, altars, face painting and gatherings. It’s not a sad holiday, but happy and celebratory to honor those who have passed. I thought I’d start with a pie to honor my friend Jenn Simpson. I inherited some of the hatch chilies she had in her freezer, so I’m making a carnitas and hatch chili slab pie in a cornmeal crust. While I’ve made plenty of pies similar to this one, I have to test some of the quantities of ingredients to make this work as a slab pie. So you are welcome to bid on it, but if you live nearby and win there may be a piece missing since I’ll need to see if it turned out too soggy, too dry, or Goldilocks’ just right. I have already made the pastry dough and added sour cream and a bit of sweet habanero vinegar, so I know that will be delish. If you’d like a spicy dinner on this chilly San Diego evening, on this special Mexican holiday, put in your bid. Starts at $30. If no one wins, I do, because I am going to eat it up.
