Thursday, July 30, 2009

Rhubarb Custard Pie

This week, my daughter and I made rhubarb pies. (Two for neighbors, one for us.) She is becoming an accomplished baker. For some reason, the pastry portion seemed easier than when I first learned. Many tears were shed over my first attempts at pie dough, but she experienced none of the sticking and falling apart of dough that made pies a torment for me.





The rhubarb is from my garden. I planted it about 4 years ago. The first 2 years of "leave it alone" tried my patience. But, as usual, patience paid off and now the patch is vigorous and healthy. It is shaded for several hours each day, so does well even in the heat. I did not realize at the time that there are varieties of rhubarb that remain more green than red. I would have preferred the red--so much prettier in pies--but the green is just as tasty.





The recipe is the one my Mom taught me, and is therefore "THE" rhubarb pie recipe in our family. Those for whom the growing, preservation and preparation of food make the sweetest memories will understand what a wonderful day it was when my daughter learned to bake my mother's pies.


Two recipes are given--one for a 9 inch pie and one for an 8 inch.





For the 9" pie:
  • Unbaked 9" pastry shell--we used the recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook


Whisk together

  • 3 eggs

  • 2-2/3 Tbsp milk

Stir in:

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 4 Tbsp flour

  • 3/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 4 cups diced rhubarb


Pour into pie shell, dot surface with:

  • 1 Tbsp butter


Bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool.



For the 8" pie:

  • Unbaked 8" pastry shell


Whisk together

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 Tbsp milk

Stir in:

  • 1-1/2 cups sugar

  • 3 Tbsp flour

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 3 cups diced rhubarb


Pour into pie shell, dot surface with:

  • 3/4 Tbsp butter


Bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool.

Because of the eggs, it's best to store this pie in the fridge after it cools.







Sunday, July 26, 2009

Free Pattern--Harlequin Shawl

Find the pattern for this easy crocheted shawl at http://bit.ly/fb7RU

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Free Pattern-Arusha Cabled Jacket

http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/arusha/arusha_1.html


Using double strands of Naturally Caron "Country", and largish needles, it works up quickly.
It is incredibly soft and has a wonderful drape to the fabric.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Free Pattern-Knit Military Jacket


Find the pattern here:
This was a fun design. The stitching is easy, but interesting with slimming vertical lines. The sides are gently shaped. You could knit the I-cord yourself, but I used Bond America's "Embellish-Knit!" Automatic Spool Knitter.
It makes the cord so quickly, that I started having ideas about embellishing all kinds of things.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Time Flies!

Spring brought work and the joy that is its result.

Gardening-photos soon.

A book deal--can't say much about that yet, except that it is a wonderful challenge--especially to my organizational skills.

A trip to Colorado--Montrose & Ridgway--including the True Grit Cafe. A must see if you're a fan of the 1969 John Wayne movie.

Colorado Columbines....















Ridgway State Park...















True Grit Cafe...



{There's a nice video on YouTube showing where different parts of the movie "True Grit" were filmed.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EUP9rOLf30 }




Prickly Pear in Bloom....



The Uncompahgre River...






Definitely a trip to inspire and rejuvenate.