Stacked Pies- Oh My!

In order to provide proper background on this post it is important for readers to know that I have often found myself running in circles of creative individuals.  Sometimes arts creative, and very often food creatives.  Maybe I don't like that whole starving artist thing (said ironically while beginning my liquid diet for today).
During my time at the Pulitzer, there was certainly a shared love of food between staff, artists and even visitors.  I learned about the STL origins of hot and sour pickles from Silas, Lisa schooled my grape nuts into a cookie, lovingly referred to as a Schnut and Sarah found this article on stacked pies.

So it is no surprise that this culinary experiment should coincide with my last fast trip in to the Lou...

Behold, the Stacked Pie! And a nice side of citrus (not pictured is the bacon to help add a little burst of protein.)

Stacked Pie Recipe (as shown):
 All items purchased at Trader Joe's- purely where Sarah works, not a plug.

1 Jar or Carmel
3 Pies (Almond Apricot, Strawberry Rhubarb and Raspberry)

Choose a firm walled pie for the base, we used the Almond Apricot, then layer with carmel and place on the next pie.  Spread another layer of carmel and then carefully add the next pie.  You could use more pies if you choose, just be prepared for some structural issues.

Hot and Sour STL Pickle

1 peppermint stick
1 Hot Pickle (often found at gas station convenience stores)

Bite or cut the end off the pickle, and cram the the peppermint stick down the middle.  Wait for the magic of chemicals to occur, then enjoy.  (I am almost certain that the chemical reaction rips the outer layer off your teeth so be ready to brush following this, or suffer the consequences on your next dental visit.)

Schnutz (aka Schnuck's Grapenuts)
If you don't live near a Schnuck's grocery, any off brand Grapenut Cereal will work well.

1/2 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour (I often use whole wheat)
1/2 Cup of Grapenut Cereal (plus more if you dip the finished cookie in chocolate)
2 tbsp. of OJ Concentrate or Fresh Squeezed Juice
1 tbsp. Orange Zest
1 Egg
1 tsp. Baking Powder

Preheat the oven to 350*F.  Beat the butter, sugar, egg, oj, orange peel until light and fluffy.  Add the flour and baking powder beating until blended.  Stir in the cereal.  Drop 2" apart on an un-greased cookie sheet.  Bake 10-12 minutes.

OPTIONAL:
1/2 Cup dark chocolate morsels
1/2 Cup Grapenuts
After allowing to cool on a rack, you can add what I believe really makes these delicious! Heat the chocolates in a ceramic bowl in the microwave on 50% heat in short intervals. (Burnt chocolate is terrible!) Stir the chocolate until it is a smooth consistency.  Dip a Schnutz half way into the chocolate and then into a bowl of the Grapenuts and allow to cool.

Enjoy!