Mind Flayer Madness: The D&D Cherry Pie That Will Warp Your Taste Buds

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Post on Feb 08, 2025

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Mind Flayer Madness: The D&D Cherry Pie that Will Warp Your Taste Buds

Are you a Dungeon Master looking to add a truly memorable culinary experience to your next D&D campaign? Or perhaps a devoted fan seeking a unique dessert to satisfy your craving for all things otherworldly? Then look no further! This recipe for Mind Flayer Madness Cherry Pie will not only tantalize your taste buds but also warp your perception of reality… in the best way possible.

A Feast for the Illithid in You (and Your Players)

This isn't your grandma's cherry pie. We're talking about a darkly delicious dessert inspired by the terrifying yet fascinating Mind Flayers of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The deep, rich filling represents the unsettling depths of the Underdark, while the subtly sinister presentation will leave your players (and yourself) suitably unnerved.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 cups fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp almond extract (for that alien touch)
• ½ tsp ground cloves (a hint of the Underdark's mysterious spices)
• Pinch of salt

For the Decoration (Mind Flayer Tentacles!):

• Black food coloring gel
• White chocolate melts
• Piping bag or ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off

Instructions:

1. Conquer the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Embrace the Abyssal Filling: In a large saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, cloves, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let the filling cool completely.

3. Assemble the Illithid Delight: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out half of the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust. Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.

4. Summon the Tentacles of the Mind Flayer: While the pie bakes (approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown), prepare the Mind Flayer tentacles. Melt the white chocolate. Tint a small portion of the melted chocolate black using black food coloring gel. Transfer the black chocolate to a piping bag. Pipe long, thin tentacles onto parchment paper and let them set.

5. Unleash the Madness: Once the pie has cooled slightly, carefully arrange the chocolate tentacles around the edges of the pie. This is where you can get truly creative and add extra "tentacle" details to make it truly unsettling.

Campaign Integration Ideas:

• The Mind Flayer's Last Meal: Present the pie as a bizarre offering left behind by a defeated Mind Flayer. Will the players dare to sample it?
• A Twisted Treat: A mysterious tavern owner offers this pie as a special – perhaps with unexpected consequences for those who partake.
• The Feast of the Illithid: Use the pie as a centerpiece for a truly unnerving feast, enhancing the atmosphere of a dungeon or lair.

This Mind Flayer Madness Cherry Pie is sure to be a conversation starter, a memorable addition to your D&D campaign, and a delicious reward for overcoming even the toughest of challenges. So, gather your players, roll the dice, and prepare for a taste sensation that’s both delightful and delightfully disturbing! Happy gaming (and baking)!