[REVIEW] [RECIPE] Esrever Doom

For those who love puns and humor, Piers Anthony delivers the giggles and wit that you seek. When I discovered one of his books at a yard sale over a decade ago, it entertained me completely, so when I saw Esrever Doom on display at the library, I grabbed it and raced to borrow it. (This insistence despite the two books I already had waiting for me at home.)

This novel features a mundane, much like you or me, who enters Xanth through a coma. Due to his dream qualities, he proves the perfect candidate for a quest. He must save Xanth from a strange curse that makes all the denizens of that unique realm see each other as the opposite of what they are. (In other words, I would be a tall, skinny elf who looks like she has never eaten to a cookie in her entire life.) An interesting assortment of characters get drawn into his quest, adding both color and intrigue. A zombie with renewed humanity, a couple interesting monster crossbreeds, and even a ghost join him for his adventures.

These interesting creatures also provide sexual innuendos that I don't remember from my previous delving into his writing. While he avoids graphic descriptions, I admit it takes me out of the story a little. Luckily, bad puns bring me back into a childlike state of mirth. I have to wonder how much time Mr. Anthony spends writing down puns and then figuring out how to insert them into the narrative. Every little pun adds to the story by providing supplies or tools for the questers while giving me a good laugh.

I aspire to develop such devotion to telling a good story. I need to make time in my schedule to read more novels that show me how to be a better writer...not to mention time to write. I know some of you are anxious for more [FICTION] and less [RANTING].

Cheery Pie

I shall make my own pun with a pie so delicious that it can cheer you up. Unfortunately, it doesn't grow on trees like the pies in the novel, so you have to put forth a little effort to get the benefit of its delightful flavor. You may want to add a little more sugar since I like tart pie to complement the scoop of eye scream I plop on top.

-2 pie crusts (enough crust to make one 2 crust pie)
-8 1/2 cups cherries, pitted and halved (or smaller if you prefer)
-1/3 cup cornstarch
-3/4 cup sugar
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
-1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
-1 tbsp butter

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Place one pie crust in pie pan and gently press into place.
3. Stir together cherries, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cinnamon over low heat in a thick-bottomed pan.
4. Allow cherry mixture to heat until it bubbles and juices begin to thicken. (You can skip steps 3 and 4, but I think the flavors mingle better this way.)
5. Pour into pie shell.
6. Cut butter into a few smaller pieces and place on filling.
7. Cover with second pie shell and gently press the two shells together. (You could also make a lattice work top crust if you have the time and patience.) Remember to make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape and wrap the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or use a pie shield to keep them from burning.
8. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
9. Reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake an additional 40 minutes.
10. Allow to cool or you'll end up burning your tongue, which wouldn't cheer up any of the normal people.
11. Enjoy!