Pies and more Pies, 12-9-2019

Thoughts and Quotes: Simple Simon met a pieman going to the fair. Nursery Rhyme                                                               

Had he said, "Piewoman", that would have been yours truly. New recipes. But first -

Teaching and Learning: I just discovered that some of you might be unaware of the drop downs under the pictures above. If you click on a heading, "Soup" "Salad", etc. a list will drop down. You select a recipe and you will directed to the blog post where that recipe appeared. The recipe might not be the first item on that blog post, but if you scroll down, you'll find it. If you don't, please email me, and I'll correct it.

This week I made a Chocolate Frozen Instant Pie and a Cherry Chocolate Frozen Instant Pie. And they are almost instant. So easy, so good, and make ahead. Can be frozen two weeks ahead if you wish.

Now try it. Click on "Pies" then "Frozen Instant Pie" and the blog post for 5-19-2019 will come up. Scroll down, and you'll find the recipe. You can just copy and paste the recipe to a Word document.  Then close that tab, click on the back arrow by the web address, and you'll be back where you started. 

Tasting: More pies. Pumpkin Pie 2, Lemon Buttermilk, and Raspberry Cream are new. 

PUMPKIN PIE 2

Based on recipetineats.com

1 9” pie crust

1 15 oz. can pumpkin

2/3 cup brown or white sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

Pinch of nutmeg

1-1/3 cups whipping cream

3 eggs

Heat oven to 335°.

Line pie plate with crust.

Put pumpkin, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir a few minutes to remove some of the moisture.

Remove from heat and whisk in cream.

Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Do not overmix.

Pour into piecrust and bake 45-55 minutes. When center has a slight jiggle, it’s done.

Note: I found that I need my 10” pie plate for pumpkin pies.

I really like this recipe. It's a little more trouble than the one on the Libby's can, but well worth the effort. My new go-to recipe. Or if you're making pumpkin pie for Christmas, try the Pumpkin Eggnog Pie recipe from the drop downs.

And if you're cutting carbs, you might like Impossible Pumpkin Pie.

IMPOSSIBLE PUMPKIN PIE

2 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup Bisquick

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

Heat oven to 350°.

Generously butter a 9”pie plate.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the ingredients in the order given. Pour into pie plate.

Bake 35-40 minutes.

Lemon Buttermilk Pie

Based on bunnyswarmoven.net recipe

1 9” pie crust

4 eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tbs flour

1-1/2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup butter, melted

Zest from one lemon

3 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 375°.

Beat eggs and sugar until slightly thick.

Beat in flour.

Beat in balance of ingredients.

Pour into pie crust and bake for 20 minutes.

Reduce heat to 325°; bake until center is set (barely jiggles), about 20-25 minutes more.

Note: Omit the crust and bake in custard cups in a water bath for a light dessert for a Lady Lunch.

This is a good way to use up extra buttermilk, or if lemon's not your favorite, try USS Missouri Buttermilk Pie. It's on the drop downs.

RASPBERRY CREAM PIE

Based on togetherasfamily.com recipe

1 16-oz ready graham cracker or shortbread crust

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup whipping cream

3 Tbs water

3 Tbs cornstarch

1 cup sugar

1 12 oz. bag frozen raspberries

Whipped cream, Reddi-wip, or Cool Whip and fresh raspberries for garnish

Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla together in a mixing bowl.

Whip the cream to stiff peaks in a separate bowl; beat into cream cheese mix.

Spread cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the crust. Refrigerate 6-8 hours.

Meanwhile mix the water and cornstarch together in a small bowl and set aside.

Over medium-high heat, stir the frozen raspberries and sugar together. Stir and cook for several minutes, until it’s boiling.

Add the cornstarch to the raspberries and boil for 2 minutes, stirring as needed.

Turn off heat and let the raspberry mixture cool for 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate 6-8 hours.

Spread the raspberry mixture over the cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill overnight.

Garnish and serve.

Note: This pie takes two days to allow for setting time.

Note 2: My frozen raspberries come in a 24 oz bag, and cream cheese comes in 8 oz, so I buy two pie crusts and make two pies.

I'm still in the pie making mode, but had to turn my attention elsewhere. We'll get back to them later. I'm looking for pies which can be made ahead and chilled or frozen.

Pepper and Pals: This is Tobin. He came here and would not leave when he discovered the Kitty Cat Cafe. He slept on my neighbor Barb's porch and she liked him. She named him Tobin after her dad Toby, who liked to sit on the porch. Here he is, sitting at the slider, waiting for dinner.

I trapped him and took him to the vet for neutering, but Barb paid the tab. Nice to have some help, as my kitty cat bills are mounting. BJ's latest two have survived kittenhood and are now eating with the grown ups. One looks just like Sweetie Face who is now grown.

And the other is a little BJ but with faint tiger stripes like Sweetie Face. They're both very skittish, and I haven't been able to get decent photos.

BJ still avoids the trap. She eats the hamburger trail, right up to the panel she needs to step on to trip the door, and then she walks away.

How did you do with your National Days? I did most of them, but only because they were easy. On Cyber Monday I bought a new case for my phone, Tuesday I made a donation, Wednesday I bought new socks, but with a wintery (or wintry, whichever you prefer) look instead of Christmas -

I skipped Thursday because I don't like Sacher Torte and I don't drink alcohol (though I do cook with it, but drinking it gives me a headache). On Friday, I used my microwave, I missed Saturday and Sunday. I'll try to make brownies this week, and Monday's not over.

Now for the coming week:

Tuesday is Lager, Dewey Decimal System, Nobel Prize Day. Difficult for me, as I don't drink, I don't have time to go to the library, and I don't think I'm in line for a Nobel Prize.

Wednesday is App, or Noodle Ring Day

Thursday is Poinsettia, Ambrosia, Gingerbread House, and Ding-a-Ling Day. Easy-peasy. If we buy a poinsettia, we can check off an item on our Christmas Bucket List as well. Go admire Ann's gingerbread house on last week's post again, and I am a Ding-a-Ling.

Friday is Cocoa or Violin Day. Another easy-peasy. You can make instant cocoa in an instant (ha!) and just turn on Easy Listening music and Andre Reiu is sure to pop up.

Saturday is Monkey or Bouillabaisse Day. Not going to happen on my end.

Sunday is Cupcake, Wear Your Pearls, and Cat Herders Day. Another easy-peasy. Cupcakes - make or just eat one. Watch Julie and Julia or read a book about Barbara Bush, or just put on your pearls while you clean house. And every day is Cat Herders Day around here.

Monday is Maple syrup or Wright Brothers Day. Eat your pancakes or take a plane ride.

That's all I have this week - besides, you're busy.

BETTER GET THAT SHOPPING FINISHED

PUT UP THE TREE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY

GET YOUR CARDS READY TO MAIL

DON'T FORGET A GIFT FOR YOUR PET

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

SING ALONG WITH THE CAROLS IN YOUR CAR

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

Good Monday Morning, 12-2-2019

Thoughts and Quotes: We have lost the art of sharing and caring. Hun Sen

When I read that, I said to myself, "He's talking about me." I've been so wrapped up in my travels and posting them, that I've forgotten about everything else. But I saw something on Teacups and Cupcakes, I just knew you'd love. A VERY productive young lady named Ann Ginda who lives in Indiana gave me permission to share her unbelievable gingerbread creation. First the front, then the back. She didn't miss a trick. Every time I look at it, I see something I missed. Don't they have a competition on TV? She should enter. I'll also put it at the end of the post, so I can make it larger without covering the archives on the right.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I was alone again, but had a nice quiet day with the kitties and worked on cleaning up my computer. Food was not on my mind, so I had a chili dog for lunch and a turkey Lean Cuisine for dinner. I did, however, open a can of cranberry sauce to go with my LC, so do I get points for that?

A turkey breast was defrosting in the refrigerator, and I could have brined it and hurried it along, but just wasn't in the mood. I finally cooked it on Sunday, made a tray, and hid out in the office so I could eat in peace. Don't worry, Stormy and Pepper got their share of the turkey.

I received some lovely and some funny cards.

Some handmade cards.

Katie Sue

Jean

Jeanne - it stands up!

One from Barbara which will surely make you giggle.

and this cute guy from My Girls Up North

He even has a cute behind.

I made some cards but was reluctant to post them, because (1) they're not my best effort, and (2) I just don't have the time to send to everyone; hence, my help from Jacquie Lawson ecards. I'm going to show you, and from now on, I'll make a group card and post it on my blog, and you'll know you're in my thoughts. I wish I could send one to everyone.

Halloween

Thanksgiving

And I've already received my first Christmas card for this year. Joey is getting her cards out early as she's scheduled for a knee replacement on December 12.

And look at the cute socks she gave me. She knows I never wear shoes around the house, and she also knows how much I love leopard print, so she couldn't resist when she saw these. They came in a 2-pack, so the black ones are a bonus.

The Pepper and Pals Report: I'm still trying to trap BJ before she has more kittens. The two new ones are probably old enough to survive now.

I started fixing the trap, and here came Flower. I lured him into the screened patio and shut him in. Then I went back to the trap. I thought I'd try little balls of ground beef (bits of steak are too easy to snag with a claw). She ate the first two leading into the trap, went in and got a third and took it back out to eat it, then was very wary of the ones under the trap door. She kept walking around, trying to figure a way to reach through the squares. Then here came the kittens.

They both went in, but I thought they were too little to trip the door.

But no, Princess went out and Rebel tripped the door.

He's too little to neuter, so I had to let him go. The quickest way is to roll the cage twice which puts the bottom on top and the door falls open. It also released the hamburger balls which BJ was happy to rush over and gobble up when I backed away so as not to traumatize Rebel.

Flower and Fred come and go; Sweetie Face stays around most of the time, Tobin is ever present, and BJ comes when she hears the slider. 

Happily Pepper and Stormy have become more independent since my trips, which is a VERY good thing. They aren't even waiting at the door when I pull into the garage any longer.

Tasting: I'm ready to head back to the kitchen. I made a lemon cake to freeze in preparation for Joey's recovery. We need to stock up, because she won't be cooking for awhile.

And look, David, I made breakfast. But I had it for dinner. David wisely follows the rule of eat like a king at breakfast, like a prince at lunch, and a pauper at dinner. I usually do them upside down.

Taking Care of My Health: I finally got around to going for my wellness checkup, and the doctor wants me to start smoking, because he can't make any money off me since I'm so confounded healthy.

Then I went to get my overdue eye exam, and found that my cataracts are ready to be removed. Dang! Well, I made it to 81, probably be 82 by the time I get it done, so guess I shouldn't complain.

Time for Others: I've missed chatting with you, so I'll try to get back on schedule. I can't promise that I'll have exciting things to tell you, but I'll at least check in. I'm getting my tag ends cleaned up to concentrate on finishing my books next year. I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it. I know I am. So I'm either going to do it or not, but if not, then chuck the whole idea. Since I'll be giving progress reports, you'll be seeing a lot of Tablescapes and Theme Dining. Just have to spiffy up the Tea book. Also might work on Soups and Salads, so new recipes.

For now, here's your December Bucket List:

Light a fire in the fireplace

Buy some evergreen or bayberry room spray

Make a centerpiece for your dining table with holly and red candles

Put a wreath on the door

Bake lots of Christmas cookies

Make hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows

Buy new jammies for the whole family to wear the night of Christmas eve

Decorate outside the front of your house

Put up a tree, even if it’s small

Don’t forget presents for the pets

Drink eggnog and/or hot cider

Take a present to a nursing home for someone who’s alone

Watch some Christmas movies on Hallmark channels

Send some Christmas cards

Make chili and cornbread on a cold evening

Treat yourself to a poinsettia

Look at the Christmas lights – take along a thermos of your favorite hot beverage

Go to a Christmas music concert

Splurge on a prime rib roast for Christmas dinner – make Yorkshire pudding

Wear your Christmas costume jewelry, sweaters, scarves, etc.

Play Christmas carols in the house and in the car – sing along

Go to the mall to see the decorations, even if you’re finished with your shopping

Read a Christmas book – the library has lots

Attend a candlelight service at church

Simmer cinnamon sticks and orange peel to make the house smell yummy

Smile at everyone and wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah

Start working on your 2020 goal list

And your National Days for this week:

Today is Cyber Day, so I assume you're on it already.

Tuesday is Giving Day: Share with your favorite charity

Wednesday is Cookie Day, so a good time to make some Christmas cookies to freeze. It's also Sock Day, so a good time to buy new ones - maybe with a Christmas design?

Thursday is Sacher Torte Day, but if you don't bake, just have a glass of wine or pop open a beer as it's also Repeal Day, celebrating the end of Prohibition.

Friday - take your choice:

Pawnbrokers Day

Microwave Oven (my choice - I use it every day)

Gazpacho Day (too cold)

St. Nicholas Day (the beginning of Santa Claus). We're to celebrate by slipping a gift into someone's shoe. 

National Miner's Day (the only ones I know are the seven dwarfs or is it dwarves?)

It's also Faux Fur Friday, if you happen to own one and it's not too hot.

And it's Bartenders Day, so there you go - easy, peasy

Saturday is Pearl Harbor Day

Also Illinois Day and Cotton Candy Day

Sunday is Brownie Day or, more importantly, my brother Jim's birthday.

And I'm giving you Monday, as I might have a late post. National Pastry Day - works for me.

And as promised, a larger Ann's gingerbread creation - give the girl a hand!

START THAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

EAT YOUR SALADS

STAY WARM

BE HAPPY

AND KNOW IT

CLAP YOUR HANDS!

LET'S GO GANG, BE WONDERFUL THIS WEEK

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

Kansas Trip, Day Two, 11-15-2019

Thoughts and Quotes: I have found out in later years that we were very poor, but the glory of America is that we didn't know it then.

                                                     Dwight D. Eisenhower

And they were very poor. There were six boys (a seventh died as a child), and the father worked twelve hours a day, six days a week at the creamery to feed them. Fortunately, they had an energetic mother. She canned 600 quarts from the family garden each year to see them through the winter, and made nine loaves of bread three times a week.

The town knew they were poor because they came from "the wrong side of the tracks", but we'll discover that poor does not necessarily foretell your destiny when we visit the museum.

But first we have to go to the gift shop to buy our tickets. I could have spent $5,000 here. 

Mamie's perpetual birthday party.

I want everything.

But I bought only a tiny little good luck elephant about the size of a thimble for 75 cents. They also had donkeys for "those other guys", eagles (our national bird), and bison (our national animal). And the movie is also in the gift shop. A smaller screen than some presidential museums/libraries.

We first visited the Place of Meditation.

And here are Ike and Mamie with their little boy "Ikky" who died of scarlet fever when he was four.

Next we'll visit the boyhood home. 

From the outside, the house looks rather large, but the rooms are very small. In the beginning, it consisted of a parlor, family room, and kitchen-diningroom downstairs with three bedrooms upstairs. There is also the root cellar in the basement with indoor access. As the family grew, a bedroom and kitchen were added downstairs.

The parlor, used for special occasions; no boys allowed.

Notice the Bible in the lower right corner. Our 34th president did not have a birth certificate. The boys were all born at home, and the only record of Ike's birth is the family Bible.

The parents marriage license is on the wall above the Bible. I've never seen one like this. Sorry about the glare.

Across the hall is the added bedroom. The mother lived here until she died in 1946. How sad that she did not get to see her son become president. She slept in this downstairs bedroom.

She was happy with what she had though her sons could have given her more in her later life. Notice the threadbare rug.

The stairs are in the hall with a photo of the upstairs bedrooms. They aren't open, but not much to see anyway. A cute story about the mother's way of dealing with her sons. When the bedroom was added downstairs for the parents, she put the two boys who fought with each other the most in one of the upstairs bedrooms together - in a double bed.

The family room, where the family gathered each evening for Bible study, music, and time together. The mother was a gifted pianist and brought her piano with her when she married. Later she inherited $1,000 and spent $600 on this custom piano, which is now worth about $14,000.

The dining room formerly served as both kitchen and diningroom. There was a long table with benches for all those boys. After they were grown, they bought mom and dad the smaller dining table and chairs.

Imagine trying to fit your dishes into these plus a small cabinet in the kitchen.

The dough box where mom made the 27 loaves of bread every week.

 On the wall in the dining room is a photo of the young family. Later mom had them pose in their original spots for an updated photo.

The added kitchen is not open for tours, but you can see the "new" gas stove in the mirror.

The boys were required to use the back door.

And they knew immediately if dad was home, because when he came in, he put his hat on the cow horn above the door to the hall, visible from the back door.

Fortunately, the family preserved everything so that 80-90% of all the furnishings are original.

Ike and Mamie were well loved by all, as evidenced by this marker, which says, "The Eisenhower Center was built with funds contributed by loyal and patriotic Americans and, thereafter, presented to the United States."

On to the museum.

This is one of the most informative, most complete, most well organized of the presidential museums I've seen so far. And it's not because of the time he served, so more available, because Nixon and Reagan came later and this library is better. A must see for all who like studying our presidents.

The entry is surrounded by murals of Eisenhower's life.

Ike loved Abilene.

The Eisenhowers must have been wonderful parents, because they inspired their boys to become adults of which they could be proud. See - poor doesn't matter. I think parenting, however, does.

Roy

Earl

Milton

I was surprised to find that Mamie came from a privileged background.

Mamie's childhood home in the background.

The car owned by Mamie's mother, which Ike sometimes drove.

Mamie's family lived in Denver, making trips to San Antonio's milder climate during the winter. In 1915, Mamie met Ike at Fort Sam Houston when he was serving his first tour of duty. They were engaged on Valentine's Day in 1916 and married on July 1. She was 19 and he was 25.

Their wedding clothes

And can you believe? A piece of their wedding cake.

Though Mamie's background was money, you'd never know. She loved everyone, never met a stranger. She was totally devoted to Ike, and her background and education enabled her to help him further his career (my opinion).

Down-to-earth Mamie.

There are many exhibits, videos, etc. covering Ike's years in the service and WWII, but I'll just focus on the things you probably wouldn't see in history books.

I was so fascinated by these stirrup bookends, I forgot to see where he got them.

 

Sorry, Foodies, but the photo of the menu was blurred and only the cover showing.

But we can peek in on the state dinner for President Charles DeGaulle.

I was happy to see that they served the salad just before dessert in the European manner. I've seen commercials about princess toast on TV, but what is fairy toast? And cucumber sandwiches with the fish course? Interesting. I hope you can read this. 

Mamie was always interested in fashion, but not a fashion snob.

Mamie's Jewelry

Mamie's Style

The Eisenhowers retired and moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The museum contains lots of information about Eisenhower's presidency. Some interesting facts.

I think Ike's main accomplishment was the construction of the interstate highway system. We take it for granted now, but Ike knew highways were necessary to move troops and supplies. How did he know? Take a look.

We skipped the library, which is mainly for research, but walked over for a photo of Ike, who's keeping watch over the 22-acres of the Eisenhower Center.

You can learn more about the Eisenhower Center HERE. 

Had a great time, but we needed to head for home with a stop for burgers and fries at Spangles in El Dorado, Kansas.

That's it, Friends. No more travel until spring. Time to hunker down for the winter and play catch up at home.