Melba's Swap Shop: Is brownie pie really pie?

DEAR MELBA: Here is a Brownie Pie recipe that readers will like. I got the original recipe from KOTV — a Kitchen Kimberley recipe. It's still basically the same, although I've added my “tweaks.” I'm not sure why it's called pie even though it doesn't call for a crust. However, Kitchen Kimberley says it can be baked in a crust, if desired.

BROWNIE PIE

2 eggs

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 teaspoon instant Vermont maple espresso powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup milk-chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease or spray 9-inch pie pan with nonstick spray. In large bowl of electric mixer, combine eggs, butter, sugar, flour, salt, cocoa, espresso powder and vanilla. Beat at medium speed 4 minutes. With wooden spoon, stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into prepared pan and bake 30 minutes. Refrigerate overnight to give the flavors a better chance to permeate the pie before serving it with vanilla ice cream.

JOYCE HAMILTON, Hugo

DEAR MELBA: I read Carolyn Barlow's request about where to find Trader Dave's products. We have them at Gourmet Gallery, 1532 S Boulevard, Edmond, and 2820 NW 122, Oklahoma City.

If anyone wants more information, they can call us at 715-3663.

JANET MCDONALD, Gourmet Gallery

DEAR MELBA: Besides the Gourmet Gallery stores, Carolyn can find Trader Dave's Gourmet Treats in The Prairie Gypsies Catering Co.; Oklahoma City Cheese, Tulsa; Made in Oklahoma Store, Shawnee; Harvest Creek Market, near Wetumka, and the Internet, www.kygarmarket.com, or she can call me at (580) 716-2681 for more information, locations or addresses.