This chocolate cheesecake pie was my brother’s favorite pie, and he always requested it for his birthday dessert.
Read on to learn more about the wonderful person my brother Greg was and to get the recipe for his pie. It truly is delicious. Several people have contacted me to tell me they made it in his honor, and I am always so touched by these messages.
Enjoy this pie that is part cheesecake and part chocolate pie. And read about Greg, because as long as there are people to remember him and hear his story, he will live on.
For more cheesecake resources and recipes, please check out my Cheesecake Recipes page.
What Might Have Been
My brother would have turned forty-six today. I am certain that he would still be living in Charlotte, so we would have driven over and had a wonderful meal with my mom and dad, him and his wife and kids. We’d have played with his dogs—he surely would have had two or three—and checked out his newest gadgets.
He would have worshiped at the Apple alter. Or maybe he would have been an Android guy. Google Glass? He’d have loved it. He would have had the newest, most bleeding edge technology that he could hunt down.
Greg never had the chance to be the wonderful father and husband that I know he would have been. My brother only lived to see thirty-one birthdays, and he was sick for the last three that we celebrated together.
Closure? Is There Such a Thing?
We grew up in a household where if you didn’t talk about the bad things and just pretended everything was copacetic, then things would be copacetic. We lived by The Law of Attraction’s more pessimistic cousins, The Laws of Selective Attention and Willful Ignorance.
All during Greg’s illness, we never discussed—or at least the two of us never discussed—the “what if you don’t make it” scenario. We hung out on Friday nights, watching movies and listening to Guns N Roses. To this day, I cannot hear Paradise City without thinking of my brother and the whiplash I used to give myself doing the Axel Shuffle, whipping my head around and belting into one of the handles of Greg’s nunchucks.
Even towards the end, when he no longer had the strength to tie his own shoes and his vision was deteriorating, we never had The Conversation.
Even when the head of the bone marrow transplant team stopped visiting him to see how he was doing because he was obviously going to be just another casualty along the road to better and more successful bone marrow transplants, a data point on a graph, we still talked about the future and ended every conversation with “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Were we being optimistic, or were we intentionally avoiding what was looming? I think the latter. Part of me wishes that we had had some closure.
A frank discussion, an exchanging of I love yous and a chance to say how much I would miss him when he was gone.
I would like to have that conversation locked away in my memory so I could take it out on occasion and look at it in the light.
The New Car
Just a short few months before he died, he bought a new car. We were all stunned and heartened by the apparent optimism that purchase signaled. His choice was between a sweet little BMW 325i and a Bonneville.
I scratched my head when he drove home the Bonneville, but once he was gone, it became obvious to me that he made his choice with my mom in mind. He must have known she wouldn’t have felt comfortable in the small BMW, so he bought her car and broke it in for her.
She still drives that Bonneville. I think she always will. (Mom now drives an Elantra. She kept the Bonneville for years and years, but she finally let it go.)
I Was a Sister. I Am a Sister.
Driving back to my parents’ house from the hospital on that last day, I remember so many good, Southern people were already at our house, chatting in hushed tones and waiting for us to come home so they could place aluminum foil-wrapped tins and trays into our hands along with the damp-eyed and heartfelt Oh we are so sorry’s.
I found myself in a conversation with a few folks in which we quietly debated which was worse: someone cut down in an instant, or someone who lingers and whose life slowly leaks out, like water from a rusted bucket. We decided that neither way was good.
I found out later that those people had no idea who I was. I was Greg’s sister for all of his 31 years. That is who I was.
That is still who I am, even after all this time.
The first few times I dreamed about my brother after he died, he had That Look about him. The simultaneously bloated and emaciated look of cancer patients on steroids. His hair was stubble. There was still a huge, sutured scar on one side of his head where the surgeons had gone in to try to understand why he was blind.
They never did find an obvious cause.
When I finally was able to dream past the shell of his illness and see Greg as he was before his diagnosis, I woke up smiling. And now, when I see him in dreams, he always looks as he did before I had to learn that BMT didn’t mean Behavior Management Technician but Bone Marrow Transplant.
The vocabulary of cancer is learned quickly, and while numb, but that is another story which has nothing to do with food for the body or for the soul.
My Brother, the Self-Taught Cook
Greg was a great cook, and he helped me learn to cook. I hosted a huge dinner party in my little crack house of a duplex once for which I had made an enormous vat of sauce for manicotti. I kept tasting it and adding herbs and tasting it and adding pepper and tasting it and adding wine, and it just tasted…muddy. I called Greg in a panic and asked him to stop by on his way home from work to tell me what he thought.
He walked in, took a taste, rolling the thick red sauce around in his mouth as if he were a professional sommelier, and said, “It needs sugar.”
He was right, too.
We used to make elaborate, multi-course meals for mom and dad for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We’d go to the library and find exotic cookbooks and copy the recipes we wanted to make, and then we’d make them. He was the chef. I was his sous.
The Chocolate Cheesecake Pie: A Magical Pie
Greg never asked for cake on his birthday. For years, his birthday cake was pie. Mrs. Cornwell’s Chocolate Cheese Pie. Two parts cheesecake, one part fudge sauce and one part sweetened sour cream topping adding up to one flavorful, rich, sexy pie.
I always looked forward to his birthday dinners because I knew they would end with That Pie. Now that he is gone, if I’m going to be at Mom and Dad’s for my birthday and she asks me what I’d like for my birthday dessert, I always ask for Greg’s pie.
What do you want for your birthday dessert? Chocolate cheesecake pie. Always.
Today, I make this chocolate cheese pie in memory of Greg. Of his friendship and his kind, steady, gentle spirit. I love you, brother, and while I most often think about you with a smile, I will miss you for the rest of my life.
If you decide to make this chocolate cheesecake pie, I would love it if you’d let me know. Knowing people love and enjoy this recipe makes me so happy.
If you have any questions about this or any other recipe or post on the site, there are a few ways to get in touch.
You can leave a comment on the post, and I’ll be back in touch within 24 hours.
If your question is more pressing, don’t hesitate to email me, and I should be back in touch within 4 hours (unless I’m asleep) or often much more quickly than that.
This is the kitchen scale that I recommend for home cooks and bakers. Using a scale will help you be more accurate and consistent in your measurements.
It is lightweight, easy to store, accurate, and very easy to use.
Don't let its small price and small size fool you. The Escali Primo is an accurate and easy-to-use food scale that I have used for years. It's easy to store, easy to use, has a tare function, and easily switches between grams and ounces/pounds for accurate measurements.
Chocolate Cheesecake Pie
This chocolate cheesecake pie is exceedingly rich. And exceedingly tasty. You might be tempted to slice yourself a large wedge, but please don't. Cut a small wedge and enjoy every single bite. You will absolutely need a deep dish pie pan to make this pie. If you don't have one, you could certainly make this in a 9" or 10" spring-form pan.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs, (I used cute bear-shaped Teddy Grahams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder
- heavy pinch of fine sea salt
- 4 oz melted butter
For the Cheesecake
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup sugar, (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Fudge
- 6 oz heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon corn syrup
- 6 oz 60% chocolate, chopped finely (or your favorite dark chocolate or chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of fine sea salt
For the Sour Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- scant 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
For the Crust
- Whir up the cookies in the food processor along with the espresso powder and salt. Make sure the crumbs are nice and fine.
- Drizzle in the melted butter and process again for a few seconds until the butter is evenly distributed.
- Press evenly in the bottom and all the way up the sides of a deep dish pie pan (or a good 2" up the sides of your spring form).
- Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
For the Cheesecake
- On low speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, and continue to beat until smooth.
- Add the eggs, salt and vanilla and mix until well incorporated.
- Pour into your pie crust and bake until all but the very center is set, about 45 minutes.
For the Fudge Sauce
- Bring the cream, corn syrup and salt just to a boil.
- Pour over the chocolate and vanilla. Let sit for a minute or two.
- Whisk slowly until your ganache is lovely and emulsified.
- Pour/spread evenly onto your just-out-of-the-oven cheesecake.
For the Sour Cream Topping
- Whisk all ingredients together. Let sit for about 5 minutes so the sugar can dissolve.
- Whisk again and check to make sure the sour cream mixture is smooth.
- Carefully spread on top of the fudge sauce, trying not to mix the two layers.
- Put the pie back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to set the sour cream.
- Let cool to room temperature and then chill at least 6 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
I've done a bit of tinkering to the original pie. The original does not call for any espresso powder. It also calls for a vanilla wafer crust, half as much cheesecake filling, and a jar of fudge sauce for the fudgey part. Feel free to make this either way.
In the updated photos, I baked the pie in a 9" push pan, and it worked out beautifully. Think of it more as a shorter cheesecake than a pie. It works just as well in a deep dish pie pan. If you want to make it in a regular, shallow pie pan, make half as much cheesecake mixture and you should be fine.
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Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 575Saturated Fat 22gCholesterol 151mgSodium 339mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 1gSugar 37gProtein 6g
Consider making this chocolate cheesecake pie in honor of someone you love. It is truly excellent. Greg did have impeccable taste.
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Robin Chesser says
What a beautiful tribute to your dear brother! I will be remembering you as I bake my daughter’s birthday cake today.
onlinepastrychef says
He would have loved that. Thank you, Robin. <3
Tish says
Beautiful
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you, Tish.
Brooks says
Jenni,
the way your family recognizes optimism keeps the connection alive, but no more
so than this tribute—a pie to cherish in the light of a loved one.
onlinepastrychef says
It is one crazily delicious pie. Greg always had the best taste!
Thank you, Brooks.
Joan - My Cookie Clinic says
Jennifer, Thank you for sharing this touching story. Your brother was lucky to have a loving sister who continues to honor his memory. Many can relate to “the conversation” that one never has with a dying loved one. We don’t want them to know they are soon to leave us even though they do know. It’s just understood. Enjoy the beautiful memories of your brother today.
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you so much, Joan. I intend to enjoy the good memories today. 🙂
John Malik says
Such a lovely tribute to your brother Jenni
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you very, very much John.
Cheryl Bennett says
Sissy, amazing lovely wonderful post. It of course left me sobbing, reading through tear-filled eyes.
I love you with my whole heart and sending you the biggest hugs imaginable.
onlinepastrychef says
Aw, Sissy! I’m all sobby, too. And I really don’t want to be–I want to eat yummy pie in Greg’s memory and share it with my Sissy! Greg would’ve loved you and heartily approved of your adoption! <3
Love you so much!
Nicole Shepherd says
I have purposely been avoiding reading this post my friend. I knew it was going to be so beautiful that I’d cry, and I did 😉 So beautiful and touching Jenni. You’re such a fantastic and amazing writer and I know you have made Greg proud today. You’re such a wonderful and sweet sister/daughter/wife/friend/chocolate cheese pie maker 🙂 Sending *BIG HUGS* <3 Ps….LOVE the tattoo, and I am totally making this Chocolate Cheese Pie very soon 😉
onlinepastrychef says
I actually thought about you before I published this, Niki! I was thinking, “Oh, I hope I don’t break my friend Niki with this post!” <3
Thank you for always being so supportive and wonderful, and I'm so glad you love the tattoo. I got it about 6-7 years ago as a memorial, and I love it too.
And you will totally love the pie, whether you make it the way I wrote it or follow the original (in the notes). So good!
Nicole Shepherd says
You’re so sweet. 😉 Every time you posted something about this blog post, and that it was on it’s way, I was like “No, I can’t do this!” lol! But of course I am here in support and loved it 🙂 Well done friend. And I think I’m going to attempt this beautiful pie on Sunday, Mmm Mmm 😉
onlinepastrychef says
That makes me very, very happy! You will LOVE it! =)
Alejandra Ramos says
This is such a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. And my goodness…that pie! I must make it.
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you, Alejandra! It was a difficult one to write because I wanted it to be perfect. The wonderful Jamie Schler helped me edit it. And yes, you must make the pie. It is ridiculous! =)
Stacy says
You are breaking my heart. Such an aching hole our loved ones leave. Thank God for the good memories because they mean we can go on. If only to keep remembering.
onlinepastrychef says
He was indeed, Stacy. I miss him every day.
And I do have many, many good–great–memories of Greg. 🙂
Susan says
Beautifully said Jenni, Greg was lucky to have you and you him. The spirit of memories do last lifetimes even if the physical world fails us. I agree he would have been a great dad and husband and you the fun and awesome Aunt Jenni. Thank you for sharing yours and Greg’s stories. May the blessings of that love shared between a brother and sister continue to be a source of strength and grace throughout your and your family’s lives. Love you! Sister Susan ; )
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you so much, Susan! I’m so glad I found you here in ST! <3 Expect some birthday pie later today! =)
Jo-Anne Roberts says
I so understand the desire to have had “the” conversation with your brother. I never did with my late husband either, except to finally tell him it was okay to ‘let go’ at which time he let go of my hand : ) Not exactly what I meant, he died later that evening. My family, never spoke about the dreaded “C”. Funny too about your brother buying a car that your mother would ultimately drive. My husband bought a house! Which I lived in for close to 20 years before moving on.
Thinking of you as you go through today reliving those special moments. Oh…my dad always puts sugar in his spaghetti/meat sauce!
Jo-Anne
onlinepastrychef says
Oh, Jo-Anne, it is so nice to know that there are always folks out there who understand. 🙂
I am very sorry for your loss. I know it was long ago, but still…
A spoonful of sugar can help a lot of things!
[email protected] is How I Cook says
What you wrote really touched me. We can all learn from your story and thanks to Greg we can all experience this awesome pie. Thank you.
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you for your kind words, Abbe. I know you will enjoy the pie!
Kim Bee says
I love the tattoo. I love you. And I know I would have loved your brother.
I send you all the love in the world on this day, and hope it makes it a little less rough. Even though I know deep down nothing really helps on these days. Just know he would be so uber proud of his sis.
You’re a special lady Jenni. Thanks for revealing more of yourself to us. It’s not easy to put your heart out there for the world to see but you did it beautifully. xx
onlinepastrychef says
And I love you right back. I know you have your own hard days, so you know what it’s like. The funny thing is that, once I put this out there, I realize that almost everyone has at least one of Those Days. Somehow knowing that just makes it easier.
Thank you, Kim. I’m glad I know you. <3
Elaine says
That was so beautifully written! I’m having a hard time writing this
through the tears. Last year was very hard for me as my Dad had so many
health issues and setbacks. Then he was gone at the end of October. I
was able to spend a lot of time with he and my mom through all of that
but it has been hard missing him and remembering all of our hopes that
he would get better and would get to go back home again. But it was not
to be and my Mom is alone at the house. They were married for 62 1/2
years. They were best friends. It is so hard when loved ones go to
heaven and leave us here to miss them. Hugs to you and thanks for
sharing this. You did a beautiful job of sharing. He sounds like a great
person, just like you!
onlinepastrychef says
Oh, wow, Elaine. I am so sorry for your loss, too. My Uncle Ray just died yesterday. He and Auntie Ev were married for 66 years. She died three years ago, and I know they are now reunited. I’m sure he missed her terribly while they were apart. I know your parents will be together again one day.
Thank you for your lovely comment. My brother really was the best. <3
Vivian Ruble says
How beautifully written, Jenni. I feel like I knew your brother even though I never met him! I know he would love the tradition of his favorite pie being carried out in his honor. Your family was blessed to have had him for the years you did and the memories you now have. I believe you will be reunited someday!
onlinepastrychef says
I believe you are right, Vivian! Thank you so much.
DailySpud says
Aw Jenni, these are the hardest posts to write and the most important ones too – thanks for sharing a little bit of Greg with us (not to mention a lot of pie); you do your brother proud (not just in this, but in everything, ‘cos that’s just who you are). I was so sorry to hear about your Uncle Ray too, it was always lovely to read about him and Auntie Ev (and who could forget the Christmas pudding mission!). Hope you’re holding up – take care, my friend. x
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you so much, DS. Yeah, it has been kind of a lot the past few days, but the good thing is that I was lucky enough to be a part of both of their lives for as long as I was. I know that Uncle Ray and Auntie Ev are back together again, and that she probably met him with an “Oh, Raymond, look at your hair!” Hoping that Greg will be popping by for a visit as well. <3
DailySpud says
I reckon they’ll be meetin’ & greetin’ & havin’ pie x
onlinepastrychef says
Most likely. Pie and plum pudding. 🙂
Jenny Hartin says
<3 🙂
onlinepastrychef says
Thanks, Jenny. Hope things are calming down a bit in your world. <3
The Ninja Baker says
Beautiful tribute to your brother, Jennie. Bless you for your honesty in dealing with a challenging subject. Undoubtedly the love your pour into your pie is tasted by each one who partakes in the dessert.
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you for your kind words, Ninja Baker. I do believe that our mindset and intentions while we cook and bake have a lot to do with the final product. Yes, this pie was definitely made with love. 🙂
movita beaucoup says
Absolutely lovely post…
xox
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you so much. <3
Grace Massa Langlois says
What a beautiful way to celebrate the relationship you have with your brother Jenni and I stress “have” because I’m sure he’s with you every day!
onlinepastrychef says
Thank you, Grace. And yes, he is. He is especially close when I hear certain songs. 🙂
Amy @Very Culinary says
*sob* Loss is so hard. It’s just…SO HARD. Such a wonderful tribute.
Jennifer Field says
I know you know, Amy. Sobbing like a mess right along with you…
Deb says
Jenni, your site is amazing and I’ve been so enjoying browsing through your recipes and your posts. I ran across this one this afternoon and was so sad to read about your brother’s passing. I remember him and I remember you talking about him with such affection. I’m so sorry for your loss, but was really touched with this beautiful post about him, your relationship and your experiences around his passing. What a talent you have, clearly not only for cooking but for writing, and how luck you both were to have each other for the time you did. Seriously, I’ve visited many online cooking blogs in recent years but not found one as well done as yours. Well done! I hope we can catch up on our “lost years” soon and can reconnect more often. AND, I plan to make this pie sometime soon and will surely think of you and brother while I do. Best, Deb
Jayna says
I am sorry that I haven’t reviewed until now- but this recipe, though is a little labor intensive….is worth EVERY bit of effort, HANDS DOWN. I have made this several times and it’s always a hit. I recently took this to my brother’s engagement party. The bride’s mom had purchased two cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory and this cheesecake had no problem standing beside those two professionally made cheesecakes. I even had a few people tell me they liked mine better than The Cheesecake Factory’s!! Thank you for sharing this AWESOME recipe. It’s absolutely perfect.
Jennifer Field says
I cannot tell you how happy your comment makes me, Jayna! This pie is so delicious anyway, but that it was my brother’s favorite makes it even that much more special to me. I am so glad that you were able to share it with your brother!
Doris Carpenter says
Jenni as I read what you had to say I too had tears.So beautifully written with feelings for your brother. When I make this and I will for a special occasion.I’ll think of you and him. Thanks for sharing your story behind this beautiful dessert. Hugs
Jennifer Field says
<3 Thank you for the hugs. <3
Susan says
So sweet Jenni. This is a lovely tribute to your brother.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, Susan. He was a wonderful human. xo
shelby says
A very touching post Jenni and a great tribute to the love you shared as brother and sister.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, Shelby. xo
Liz says
Greg had good taste—I’d choose this pie over cake 100% of the time! I worked on an oncology ward and met so many patients like him. It wasn’t unusual for folks to avoid deep conversations and try to keep upbeat—but I know your brother knew you loved and cherished him. I’m sorry you didn’t have him longer. xoxo
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, sweet friend. xo And yes, you will love this pie–and make it look so elegant like you always do!
Jackie Garvin says
Jenni:
What a loving, sweet, and heartfelt tribute to your brother. Cancer is a horrible disease that takes loved ones and ravages lives. I hope your wonderful post helped you through your process of grieving. May God bless you.
Jennifer Field says
He has been gone since 1998, Jackie, and it does get easier, but I still miss him every day. Thank you so much–he was a wonderful brother and friend. xo
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I’m so happy that when you remember your brother now, it’s how he was before he got ill. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do that one day with my dad. Your story is very honest and raw. I’m sorry you lost your brother so young. It just isn’t right.
Such a pretty pie. I can see why he loved it so.
Jennifer Field says
I know it will happen for you one day, Renee. And it will make you smile. xo
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
This is such a sweet post. I can’t even imagine how you feel. I lost my dad last year and as hard as that still is for me, I can’t imagine losing a precious brother. And so young. I’m glad you have so many nice ways to remember him by.
Jennifer Field says
Ashley, thank you so much. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I am sure you feel his loss keenly. And yes, I am fortunate to have been good friends with him. It didn’t start off that way, so I am very grateful we became close as adults.
Linda Omura says
Thank you for sharing your story about your brother. You brought tears to my eyes and you made me think about my nephew”s daughter who lost her brother to cancer this week. He was only 11 and she is 9. Of course, we are all concerned about how this will affect her over her life but hopefully she will have some wonderful memories of him like you do of your brother.
The pie looks delicious!
Jennifer Field says
Heartbreaking for your family to lose a child so young, Linda. I too hope she has some lovely memories of him. The pie is delicious–I hope you give it a try sometime. Very rich–and worth every calorie!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
Jenni, what a beautiful tribute to your brother! He is clearly with you and I am sure that there are many favorite recipes you make in the kitchen knowing Greg is peering over your shoulder.
I love this pie, too, and look forward to giving it a try!
HUGE HUGS!!!!
xoxo
Jennifer Field says
I know it will get Desserts Required Approval, and I know Greg would’ve really dug you, Betsy! xo
Stephanie Manley says
This was so touching. One can only hope there is an afterlife and we get to continue those conversations we left unfinished here.
Jennifer Field says
Indeed. I know we both have conversations we’d like to continue, Stephanie. xo
Barbara Schieving says
What a sweet, loving tribute to your brother. My mom died unexpectedly and I always wished for that last talk too. The pie sounds amazing.
Jennifer Field says
Oh, Barbara. I am so sorry. I feel like unexpected might be so much worse. And yes, the pie is the best. I hope you make it sometime!
Renee J. (RJFlamingo) says
So wonderful to have that kind of relationship with a sibling, Jenni! And even more wonderful that you have delicious food memories to associate with your brother. xox
Jennifer Field says
Yes, Renee. I am so glad we enjoyed many years of friendship after a childhood of fighting and squabbling!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I know that this was a hard post to write but I’m so glad that you did. I loved reading about your brother, your memories and his favorite pie! Thinking of you today <3
Jennifer Field says
Thank you so much, Angie. This October, it will be 18 years, and sometimes it still feels so very close. xo
Denise says
Jenni, what a beautiful message to your brother. I read this while I was at my hair appointment today, and my crazy hair dresser kept watching me wipe tears from my eyes. I am sure she thought I was even crazier. I do not know what it is like to lose a sibling, and can only imagine the bond that you feel all the time. Thinking of you as your celebrate your brother’s life, his memories that live on forever and of course pie.
Jennifer Field says
Aw, Denise. You made me get all welled up. <3 I feel like every time I share this post, more folks get to know him a little bit and keep his memory alive. Makes me very happy.
Jane, The Heritage Cook says
What a lovely tribute Jenni, I’m in tears as I remember my brother who also died of cancer. His favorite was cherry pie — I’ll bet they are both enjoying slice after slice these days. You two are so darling in the photos, I’m glad you included them so we get to know Greg a bit better. Hugs to you sweet friend!
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, Jane. It’s so weird to lose a contemporary, you know? We expect our parents to die before we do, so while it’s sad, it’s the way things are “supposed to” be. But when someone you’ve grown up with dies, it is just so wrong. He was a wonderful brother and a wonderful person. Maybe he has found your brother and their trading pies and stories of their bratty sisters. 🙂 xo
Beth (OMG! Yummy) says
Jen – I had no idea you lost a Greg too. I am so very very sorry that we have this in common but I am glad I got to know you and love you virtually before this additional connection. Hope we can meet in person and cook and cherish our lost Gregory’s sometime very very soon XOXO
Jennifer Field says
Tons of love to you, Beth. And I’d love nothing more. xo
Cheryl - Pook's Pantry says
This makes me cry Every Single Time I read it, Sissy. xoxoxo
Love you.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, Sissy. He was an excellent human, and it’s my honor to celebrate him. And also to eat this stupid-good pie. Love you too. xo
Nova says
I don’t normally read the stories to a recipe but for some reason I can’t explain I began to read yours. I was deeply moved as I lost my brother to cancer in 2009 so I know how you feel. There are recipes he loved and every time I make them I think of him. Your story is very similar to mine and paying tribute to him by creating this beautiful pie is very touching, I hope in heaven they get to eat their favourite foods, I’m going to make this and call it ‘Heavenly Greg Pie’ thank you for sharing your story and this recipe. Bless.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you so much for commenting, Nova. I am sorry you lost your brother, too. I really hope you enjoy Heavenly Greg Pie and that you think of your brother as you make it and share it.
Sarah Denis says
Jenni,
I too have a sibling that left us too soon and now I’m full of tears. I will make your brother’s pie (which sounds freakin’ amazin’) for my husband’s family next weekend. I will make it in memory of all those who leave us too soon and leave us with full yet aching hearts. My sister didn’t live long enough for me to find out if we would have been baking buddies as adults. I like to think we would have been a duo like you and your brother.
Thank you for sharing the story behind the pie. My brother and sister’s best baking fiasco was making Gingerbread Cake for our mother one Mother’s Day when they were young and just being allowed to use the oven. One read the instructions and one mixed. One of them read one 1/4 cup of flour when it should have been 1 1/4 cups of flour. They made Gingerbread Sauce! Our mother had to come down eventually after too many calls up to her (supposed to wait in bed) of “when is it done again?”.
Jennifer Field says
Oh, Sarah, you have made me well up! I am sorry for your loss, truly.
I hope your family enjoys this pie Very Very much and that it helps to connect you to those gone too soon.
I love the gingerbread sauce story! lol xoxo
Ellen says
This is just a lovely tribute to your brother. I have an older bother I adore who has just gone through some health issues, that I’m not sure are over. Time will tell. But, besides my hubby and kids, he’s my only family left. The pie looks amazing as well. XO
Jennifer Field says
Thank you, Ellen. I do hope you try the pie–it is super rich but incredibly good! And my sincere best to your family and your brother.
Sandi says
Aww, what a beautiful tribute to your brother. I am so sorry for your loss…I wish I knew you all back then because I also jammed out to Guns N Roses :-).
Jennifer Field says
We would have hurt our necks together. lol Thanks, Sandi. xoxo
Laura says
How did I not read this post before? What a beautiful tribute for what a beautiful relationship you had with your brother. And what a spectacular to cake to always remember him by.
Renee Goerger says
Beautiful pie and beautiful memories and stories about your brother Greg! I’m sure he stands with you every day in spirit, and in strength.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you so much Renee. ❤️❤️
Amee says
This is such a beautiful tribute to your brother. Thank you for sharing his story and this amazing pie recipe in his honor. Sending love and hugs to you and your family. xo~
Jennifer Field says
Oh, thank you so much, Amee. I appreciate your comment and the love and hugs. xo
Kelly Webster says
Jennifer, I am speechless. This brother, your story, the pie. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I wish you had been given the opportunity to have that conversation with him about saying goodbye. I was grieved for you thinking about the loss you experience. I feel as though I understand some of what you must be feeling although the heart is deep and the feelings we have are so very personal.
I have colon cancer. Stage III. I was just diagnosed this Spring. I am a mother of two young daughters aged 10 and 13. I was moved by your story and it made me think deeply about my two daughters. I have spoken with them about the possibility that I may not live but this story made me think about other conversations that I should have with them. Conversations that they can look back on and remember. Conversations that will fill their hearts with my love for them. God has given me peace in my heart if He should take me. I trust Him. I know He loves me and I long to be with Him and His son Christ. Yet, I wish to leave a small part of me imprinted upon my children’s hearts.
Thank you for sharing your brother with us. I wish we could visit and share a cup of coffee and a piece of this pie and reminisce about him. I am going to make this pie in honor of your brother and will tell my girls his story. Much love to you.
Jennifer Field says
Kelly, thank you so much for taking the time to comment about my brother. I appreciate it so much.
Much love to you and your family, and I wish you all the strength as you navigate your journey to wellness.
Regardless of what happens, I can tell just from your comment that you will be leaving much more than just a small part of you imprinted on your girls’ hearts, whether that is 2 years from now or 50.
It makes my heart very happy that my post has opened the door to more and different conversations with your daughters. I hope you enjoy every single bite of this pie. Thank you for sharing my brother’s and my story with your girls.
Compton, Rebecca says
Jenni, I love your recipes and trust that they will be wonderful. And I love your stories more. What a sweet tribute to your brother! When I make this dessert, I will raise my fork in salute to him…and to you.
Jennifer Field says
Thank you so much, Rebecca. That means a lot. I truly hope you enjoy the pie. ❤️
Ann says
Hi! I usually just read recipes and not the long winded blogs that go with them, but my fiance’s name is Greg and I decided to read the post to this recipe.
Such a beautiful story and a wonderful lead-in to Greg’s favorite cheesecake. I might never make this for my Greg, but I’m so glad I decided to read the post. Blessings to you. A wonderful writer and chef, from the recipes I’ve browsed.
Jennifer Field says
Oh, my goodness, Ann, you brought me to tears. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. As blogging has evolved, I’ve gone more towards providing as much useful information with my recipes as I can and try to steer away from too many personal stories. But Greg’s life and this pie just go together, so I will always leave the story part of this post exactly as I wrote it quite a few years ago. Best wishes to you and to your Greg! Take care, and thank you again.
Mrs. Gina Wagner says
I have regular graham crackers and I wonder how / what kind of chocolate I could add to make it similar to chocolate teddy grahams ? Otherwise I’ll try to figure out something. Thank you !
Jennifer Field says
Hi, Gina. Add a Tablespoon or so of cocoa powder to your regular Grahams. That will work. Enjoy!
Mrs. Gina Wagner says
Fabulous and thank you !