The Grape Escape.
Do you ever get stuck in a rut? All your favourite shows are on hiatus, you're eating the same boring meatloaf every monday, all your socks are white, you order the same entree at the same restaurant every date night, the Tim Horton's barista finishes your sentences and even your shampoo is boring you.
You need to mix it up! Routine is efficient, but, without any relief, it becomes stale and uninteresting. Be spontaneous, take chances, experiment and try new things. I'm not saying you need to go out and buy a motorcycle, dye your hair blue or go skydiving.
There are safer ways to be adventurous, ways that don't result in road rash or parachute failure. Try out that new Indian restaurant around the corner, give meatloaf night a rest, give that new latte a taste test and buy some polka dots socks for crying out loud!
Or maybe try putting some grapes in your pie. Never heard of it? Now you have! Sound weird? It's delicious!
How To… Er… Wednesday: Easy As Pie.
I've never really understood that phrase. Making pie isn't exactly an easy task but eating pie is definitely both easy and delicious.
That's what the phrase really refers to: something that's simple and pleasurable. Like bubble baths, curling up with a good book and cuddling puppies. Try cuddling puppies in the bath with your favourite book while eating a slice of pie and you've really got something!
Pie crust can be kind of finicky at times. You might have formed the dough perfectly, tried the frozen butter trick, let it chill overnight and your pie still shrivels up like a raisin when you bake it. You've probably scratched your head about the mysteries of shrinking pie crust, but never really worried about it because, though it might be ugly, it tastes beautiful.
Today I'll impart on you the little tips and tricks that you can utilize to avoid the dreaded shrunken pie crust. Making your pie can be just as easy as eating it!
Make sure to come back soon to find out what flavour this glorious pie is!
Magic Beans.
As promised, here is the most amazing thing you could possibly do with your homemade Dulce de Leche. Ok, maybe not the most amazing thing, but certainly the most amazing thing that I'm currently aware of. If you have any other ideas I'd love to hear them!
I recently bought a bulk pack of fifty bourbon vanilla beans. I haven't used extract in months and I'll never look back. Vanilla beans are far sweeter with a brighter, potent flavour without the alcohol aftertaste and they have those adorable little specs to decorate your food. Like built in sprinkles! These truly are the magic beans Jack was talking about.
We bought an entire case of peaches so the pie was absolutely essential. I can't have all that peachy goodness going to waste now can I? It was fate. A match made in heaven. Sweet peaches with velvety Dulce de Leche, flaky vanilla bean crust and top it all off with fresh vanilla bean whipped cream. It's a triple vanilla experience! My mind is blown!
Good Pie to Say Goodbye.
I have fond memories of my Grandparent's house. It was always so immaculately clean, decorated with sophistication and smelled of leather, perfume and Old Spice. Dinners at my Grandparent's were always something to look forward to. They would serve jello and whipping cream with dinner then afterward we'd play pool downstairs in my Grandpa's workshop and studio. I used to drink Pepsi out of green Coke glasses at their tiny marble bar in the corner of the basement and feel so fancy swinging my legs on a stool that was too high for me. The comedy and tragedy theatrical masks at the bottom of the stairs would always have to be taken down prior to my visits because they'd frighten me to tears. I used eat oatmeal and tomato soup then proceed to crawl under the table of the booth style kitchen nook so no one would have to slide down the seat and get up to let me out.
A few years ago my Grandma died and quite recently my Grandpa followed her. I never got to say goodbye to either of them so I thought I'd make them a sweet little tribute. One of my Grandma's most famous desserts was Grasshopper Pie and I remember as a child knowing for certain it was made with real grasshoppers encouraged by the unwaveringly serious insistence of my Dad and Grandpa. Once I tried it of course I knew different. It's still a family favourite dessert and now a favourite with Lee and Sable, the newest additions to my family.
This is for you Grandma and Grandpa. I miss you. I hope wherever you are, you'll be going dancing tonight.
