This ultra-sweet pie is a classic of vague origin: either it attracted a lot of flies for shooing, or this molasses and brown sugar dessert was created for the sole purpose of luring flies away from the rest of the table. Either way, it is a part of our culinary heritage and a real treat!

Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo Fly Pie

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg yolk
Pastry for 1 (9-inch) single pie crust
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a small bowl dissolve baking soda in boiling water.
3. In a separate bowl, combine molasses and egg yolk. Stir in baking soda mixture and mix well. Pour into pie shell; set aside.
4. Stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over pie.
5. Bake for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake 20 minutes longer. Cool before serving.

Makes 8 servings.