Death by Chocolate

Chocolate, coffee, graham cracker crust what could be better.  I had originally planned this for Valentine's Day but ended up making it on Sunday.  Scott joined us for dinner and this coffee s'more pie from Bon Appetit got thumbs up from all.  http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/coffee-s-mores-pie

Pre-Thanksgiving Part 2

There is nothing better than food and friends and we were happy to share both tonight.

You know you are cool when you toast with milk and Dr. Pepper.

We put the BBQ King in charge of the turkey breast.  It came out moist and juicy.

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole from Cooking Light.   It was a sweet treat and delicious. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/streuseled-sweet-potato-casserole-10000000385230/

Winter Greens Gratin from Bon Appetit.  This one exceeded everyone's expectations.  I would definitely make this one again.  http://www.bonappetit.com/?p=43413&post_type=recipe

Holiday Pie from the LA Times.  My recipe is so old that I can't find the link on their website.

Layers of cream cheese and cranberries.  Yum!

Thanks to Jacob who took the time to take pictures of the dinner.  Let's eat!

Pre-Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I couldn't wait for the big day to try out some new recipes. 

 Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie got thumbs up from everyone but we will still stick to traditional Pumpkin Pie for the big day.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-butter-pumpkin-pie/.  I only put nuts on half since Jacob dislikes all nuts.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Shallot and Parmesan Topping.  These also were a big hit.  The topping was great.  http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/7488-twice-baked-sweet-potatoes-with-shallot-and-parmesan-topping.  I am hosting Pre-Thanksgiving part 2 this coming weekend.  Stay tuned for more recipes.

Mixed Berry Pie

When life gives you lemons, make pie.  At least that is what I say.  I miss Pushing Daisies, the show centered around a pie shop.  Here is my latest Bon Appetit adventure.  http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2009/06/mixed_berry_pie_with_ginger_orange_and_almond_streusel

I am still waiting to get my Chevy Volt back, sigh.  

4th of July Weekend

Our weekend project was to plant new flax in our front yard.
As you can see we are not opposed to child labor.


Michael, looking like he's supervising, did do a tremendous amount of work.



Our finished project.

Jacob has been asking to go to the beach again so off we went to Mother's beach. Jacob is happiest with shovel in hand.

Jacob took a detour from his usual hole digging.

The post would not be complete without some mention of food. I am on a quest this summer to make as many fruit pies as possible. This weekend we tried raspberry.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fresh-raspberry-pie/detail.aspx

Best Cherry Pie

We decided to make home made cherry pie this weekend especially with cherries on sale. It turned out great with thumbs up from everyone. This pie has great flavor from 2 pounds of cherries and no red food dye. It is so much better than store bought. The recipe is from Cooks Illustrated. http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/login.asp?docid=25348