The Cummy Cum

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 28, 5 January 1940, Page 45

The Cummy Cum

Dear Aunt Daisy, The best pumpkin to use for pumpkin pie is the variety called "Ironbark" which is dry and floury when cooked, There is another kind, not so good for pies, as it is not so dry when, cooked. It is similar to the variety we used to call "Cummy Cum." An old Maori friend told us that a native bird used to come and spoil the flowers-seeking honey-and so the Maoris used to say of the birds and the pumpkins: "When

he come, he no come, but when he no come, he come!" I enclose some recipes. My husband says, will you please say "Vaya con Dios Amigo" to " Passing By" as he is a countryman of hers.- " Constant Listener." Thank you very much for the interesting letter. We used to enjoy "Cummy Cums" when we lived in Taranaki years ago, but I haven't had any for years now. Some Canadian friends tell me that in America they used canned pumpkin for pumpkin pie; because they are so very particular about having the right kind of pumpkin and also having it sieved and specially smooth. I should like them to taste some of the lovely pumpkin pies I have had in country farmhouses in New Zealand-just like a specially flavoured custard tart. I really do feel sure that these would hold their own against their American cousins. We ought to have a competition. I must explain the réference to " Passing By." She is a very charming and kindly link in the Daisy Chain, a Spanish lady who has seen much sorrow, and who finds her happiness "doing good by

stealth." I know of several " shut-ins" who love and bless " Passing By." Now for the recipes enclosed in the letter: