I some how came across this book by Kate McDermott. My favorite dessert in the world is pie crust. Yep, I have to have some filling with it, but really its the crust that I’m after. I have a friend learning to make pies and I’m a wee bit jealous.
When I spotted this I did the Kindle book sample, which i do for most things I want to read. Kate teaches pie making, a LOT of pie making. And in her book she weaves a bit of life into her pies.
This got me to thinking.. maybe I can learn to MAKE amazing pies.
BUY the BOOK, it’s pretty fabulous!
It’s been somewhat of a normal week…. which I’m thankful for.
You must think that since I started writing about my non work things, that all I do is think about food and books. To be honest I work a lot. We did take a 2 week get away around Thanksgiving that was fabulous! It was relaxing and I came back recharged.
I also came back to alot of things I needed to do. So today is the first time I’ve thought about writing a journal entry. Maybe I’ll share one from our break too. Some last minute shopping had to be done and we went to a local mall. Looks empty but it was Tuesday morning, so not really a busy time for shops.
Then the shipping department and I used a gift card we had . A super yummy lunch, the stuffed mushrooms were amazing!
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My friend Cindy then asked me what kind of family desert recipes did I have. I took a photo of some of the hand written cards. Most were pretty grungey from handling them while baking. And some are starting to fade. So I need to make copies to document them and then rewrite them one day.
This is one i used to make a lot when I was first married. I took it to a lot of office parties. It’s pretty light and easy to do
And to round out this week, I decided to learn more about Penny Marshal.
When someone comes on my radar, I like to read about them. Maybe they are in the news for something they did. And sometimes, like Penny Marshall, they died and I’d like to learn more about what they did in life. I was a huge fan of the Laverne & Shirley show, it’s kind of how I see Penny in my mind. But she did so much more. I decided to read her book. I love to hear the stories behind what makes people do what they do.
BUY her book, I’m enjoying it!
Today is the first day of the Winter Solstice. The weather said it would rain most of the day. Amazingly it was 62 and sunny until about 4pm when it rained and was sunny! I’ll take the start of winter being 62 and sunny any day!
What has your week been like? This is the crazy holiday time for many. Mine isn’t. We are pretty low key. I have to struggle to feel the holiday at times since I work at home and usually have a lot to do in December. Putting up my tree sets the tone, and it worked like a charm this year. I have yet to wrap a present, I guess I should do that soon!
Thought I’d check in and let you know how much you are appreciated. I made it to a little quilt group today (I keep forgetting what day it is since I retired, good, right?) On the way back I had the most sensational view of the rainbow after a quick shower. I am enjoying your blogposts and want to aay thanks for sharing.
Thank you Charlie, that is so sweet! I can imagine it’s hard to track days when you no longer have to be somewhere on a certain day.
Coming across the Bonneville Salt Flats last night we saw a Moonbow! First time seeing one. Hasd only read about them. It was awesome!!!
sounds amazing Kathy!
I love hearing a little bit of your life. I have made several of your patterns and learned so much . Looking forward to many mire
thank you Kay!
Hi Pat, It is a busy week for us. Is was my birthday on the 20th and my Husband’s birthday is on Sunday, the 23rd! We make sure to take time to celebrate each other’s birthday like it would be celebrated if it was at another time of the year. And yes, we each get our own cake lol.
Love listening and reading all that you put out there for us. Many thanks!
Happy Double Birthday’s Karen!! Having yummy cake on your birthday is the BEST
Thoroughly enjoy hearing your thoughts. Penny Marshall ‘s book looks interesting. Oh me oh my I like pie!
People have such interesting lives!
I don’t like pie. Strange, I know, but I’m more of a cake girl. However, I love cheesecake, which is technically a pie. I got one for my birthday every year, growing up. My Mom thought it was because it’s name has “cake” in it. LOL.
NO PIE!! maybe we can still be friends Sheila! wink wink!
Have only made 1 successful pie crust: high school home ec class and we used lard! Perfect flaky crust. Of course today lard is on the “bad fat” list.
Pat, I continue to be in awe of all you accomplish. You are an inspiration.
Hoping to finish a pillow for great nephew tonight. “Hallelujah” appliqué since he sings that song all the time.
Merry Christmas!
You are so sweet Susan!! I never used lard but have read it takes crust to a new level… also potato chips..another thing I’m passionate about … for another article!
I use to make pie crusts but usually buy the ready made now. I enjoy your blogs, patterns and videos. How do you get it all done? Have a Merry Christmas
I bet your pies are amazing! I just keep at it 🙂
Love hearing from ‘behind the scenes.’ It kind of rounds out what we know of your persona. We long for connections, right?
We, too, are simplifying this year, not because we wanted to, especially, but because life just got in the way. But we are enjoying being together in the Christmas season. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Linda! We all have other parts, it’s nice to share them with each other!
Hi Pat,
Merry Christmas to you and the shipping department. I am happy to learn that mine is not the only low key Christmas. I think it’s better that way.
I’ve been enjoying your non-quilt-related posts. They us beyond the modern tendency to pigeonhole everyone. Quilting may ground is, but we do have wings and it’s good to take to them and soar sometimes.
Looking forward to more.
Merry Christmas Pat! We all have full lives beyond the quilting what we have in common. It’s fun to learn about people.
Unfortunately I must say my favorite food is pie, especially coconut cream pie. I always have that for my birthday. I’m not a big cake fan, but will eat a slice at birthday parties for others. My mom used to make a lot of pies and I think her specialty was the crust which always made the pie good regardless of what filling she used. Growing up my favorite was rhubarb custard. The only cream pie she made was banana cream made with what I always thought were rotten bananas, lol.
Have a wonderful Christmas! I look forward to 2019 and all the inspirational projects you will share with us.
how wonderful to have a mom that bakes pies!
Merry Christmas, Pat (and the shipping department). Glad you were able to have a break. Quilting is such a big part of my retirement life. I have done many of your sew-alongs. Pie isn’t my favorite sweet, but I do love baking and making desserts. I write a blog about our winter RV travels and incorporate quilting thoughts as well.
Thank you for sewing with me Nancy! What type of dessert do you have for christmas? I’d love to peek at your blog, post the link in the comments, Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Pat and the shipping dept. Our Christmas will be lowed keyed this year also. My 97 year old mother-in-law went to a nursing home in November, so we are trying to adjust(harder for her). My favorite pie is a lemon sponge. My Mom always made one for my birthday and since she’s been gone my best friend Kitty(another quilter) does the honor, Her husband also loves pie, so she makes them a lot and her crust is to die for.
Big hugs to your mother-in-law! I don’t think i’ve heard of Lemon Sponge. It’s fantastic you have a pie making friend, a match made in heaven for both of you, she bakes, you eat!
Lemon Sponge pie is about the best pie going, especially when you get it a mile high, have not had it in years! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you your family, and the shipping department staff.
Merry Christmas, Pat. I enjoy your posts and the many patterns, ideas, and bits of your life that you share. I am part of the ‘flock’ as well and am far behind. My goal for 2019 is to get caught up with my blocks . Enjoy the holidays!
That’s a great goal Gail, thank you for joining me as part of my community! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I cooked two deep dish pie shells at Thanksgiving but got so busy I didn’t have time to cook the chocolate meringue pies my husband wanted. No problem, WIth a house full of family for breakfast the next day, I turned them into ham and swiss quiche. Everybody loved it!
That sounds yummy Carolyn!
My children have started enjoying having quiche as we open our Christmas gifts.
I always enjoy your tidbits about your life, and your patterns. We hosted our entire family for Thanksgiving. 28 people and 5 generations I made a lot of pies then, including a gjhte. Free apple fir the first time, which was a first.
One of my son in law’s is on a gluten free diet. We will only havre my oldest daughter, her two daughters, and their families for Christmas, as my other three children live in different states and will not be able to attend. I am about to make three pies. Pumpkin, pecan, and apple. Apple is my husband’s favorite, and the one I am famous for. Thank you for all you do, and I wish you and your husband a very Merry Christmas.
Your pies sound so yummy Linda!
If you LOVE pie crust with a nice filling that doesn’t overwhelm, check out King Arthur Flour’s apple pie for crust lovers. It’s fabulous. . .as all their recipes, products, and classes are.
I’ll check that out Sandra!! I’ve used King Arthur when I did a bunch of bread baking
Thanks very much Pat from New Zealand we quilters love belonging to your group and making your quilts. I hae learnt such a lot from your site. I just wish we could listen to your podcasts. Our local library is purchasing 3 of your books, after I went to see if they could get them in from another library and said they would buy them in for me, which was great as I am in a small town, but I know there are others here who follow you. It is Christmas Day here, and I wish you and all of your readers a Very Merry Christmas and a great 2019. Can’t wait for the new projects
Thank you Lyn for having your library order my books! I’m so happy you joined me, Happy New Year!
Enjoyed reading about your interest in pie! I love to make pie, I am famous for making apple pie in my family although any pie will do! I am with you, the pie crust is the best! I have enjoyed making your quilts- I have one sandwiched and ready for me to machine quilt but it will have to wait it’s turn after the holidays!
ohh… Now I know who to ask tips of Patti!
Merry Christmas from Eastern PA….My take to Xmas dinner part is Pie. I used to buy the crust till I received a recipe that really works..lol. Grand Kids like apple and cherry. Looking forward to what ever next year brings and to be able to make that decision to finally retire!
Sounds like 2019 will be a wonderful year Pat!
My husband is the pie baker in our family. He makes a homemade crust using good old fashion lard. He will make 12-20 at a time as the community seems to know, must smell them, and some stop by. Each takes home a pie. All 6 of our children stop and get a pie. Whatever is left he takes to shut in friends. He makes an awful mess of the kitchen but we have had many good times over pie.
How lucky to have a pie baker in your home!