Pie Filling....for canning

This is another recipe of Mom's recipes that my friend, Sherri Walton shared with me a few years ago, that she has used for years.  Not sure why I didn't have this. It is a little more specific than the one in the cookbook.   

Pie Filling.....Blackberry, Apple or Peach

Place in large canning kettle:

3 1/2 qts. water

8 to 10 c. sugar (I start with 8, add more to taste if needed)

3 c. regular clear jel (Mixed with 2 to 3 c. water from above amount)

4 t. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg

1 1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. lemon juice (optional, I added this)

Stir and bring to a boil until thick and clear.  See below** or Stir in 5 gallon of fruit, I use blackberries, apples, or peaches.  Continue to cook a few more minutes.  Pour into jars leaving a 1" headspace.  Process in a boiling water bath timing according to elevation chart below.  

0 to 1000 feet elevation = 25 minutes

1001 to 3000 = 30 minutes

3001 to 6000 = 35 minutes

above 6001 = 40 minutes 

Makes about 14 to 18 quarts

**You can add 1 1/2 c. of the thickening to each quart jar and then add fruit to fill each jar.  I found it hard to mix them together in the jar. 

Fruit Crisp.....Single serving style

 I dugout this old recipe to make yummy desserts in my fancy Pioneer Woman Ramekins!  You could also use custard cups or 1/2 pint wide mouth canning jars are great too.  This is a great way to use my blackberry and apple pie filling that I canned last summer!!

Fruit Crisp

2 - 3 c. pie filling (any flavor, blackberry is my favorite) **

Topping

1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 t. cinnamon

1/8 t. salt

4 T. butter, softened

4 T. sliced almonds

Spray 8 ramekins with cooking spray.  

Spoon the pie filling into each of the ramekins.

Place all of the topping ingredients into mini food processor.  Mix well.

Top each ramekin with some of the topping mixture.

Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 25 minutes.  

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.  

** If you have fruit but no pie filling you can make your own.

2 - 3 c. fruit

2 - 3 T. sugar

2 - 3 T. flour

Stir together. It's ready to go!

OR 

4 c. fruit

2 T. sugar

2 - 3 T. cornstarch

1 t. lemon juice

1 t. vanilla

Stir together.  Makes enough for an 8 x 8 inch pan.  Top with topping.    Bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes. until golden brown.  

And by all means.....if you don't want to make single servings.....put it in a 9x9 baking dish and it will bake up great!!  It may need to bake 5 to 10 minutes longer. 

Lemon Cream Pie

Lemon Cream Pie          Makes enough for a 9" pie
3 large eggs
1 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
1 T. freshly grated lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
12 oz. reduced fat or regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature
FOR THE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM
1 c. heavy whipping cream
1 T. powdered sugar
1 t. pure vanilla extract

Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water to create a double boiler. Add the eggs into the bowl, then with a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs until thick and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. With the mixer running, slowly add the sugar, then the lemon juice and lemon zest. Once incorporated, continue to cook the mixture over the simmering water, stirring with a rubber spatula constantly and scraping the bottom of the bowl with your spatula, until it forms a thick, smooth custard, about 10 to 15 additional minutes. When you dip your spatula into the custard, the custard should easily coat the spatula’s back, and if you draw a line through the custard on the back of the spatula with your finger, the sides of the custard should stay separated. Remove the bowl from the water and let cool to almost room temperature.
In a standing mixer fit with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium high speed until it is completely soft and smooth, about 3 full minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium, then gradually add the cooled lemon custard to the cream cheese, beating until smooth and fully combined so that no white streaks remain. Pour the cream cheese into the baked pastry shell. Refrigerate the pie until fully chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Up to 4 hours before serving, prepare the homemade whipped cream: In large mixing bowl or the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment over medium speed. When it starts to thicken, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, increase the mixer speed to high, and continue to beat until soft peaks form. (Do not over beat or the cream will separate.) Spread over the chilled pie, slice, and serve cold.

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Coconut Custard Filling:
4 egg yolks
1/3 c. plus 2 tsp cornstarch
3 cups of whole milk (1 can of coconut milk + enough milk to equal 3 cups)
3/4 c sugar, plus 1 T.
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 T. butter
1 c shredded coconut*

1 baked pie shell, 9 or 10″
Topping:
1/2 cup toasted coconut
1.5 cups whipping cream
1/3 c sugar
3/4 tsp unflavored gelatin (opt)

*I prefer unsweetened, finely ground coconut, but if all you have is sweetened flaked, cut the sugar to a 1/2 cup. I like to process the coconut in a food processor so that it’s fine instead of stringy.

Whisk the yolks in a bowl, set aside. Stir cornstarch, sugar, salt together in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the milk carefully to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat. Let it boil one minute, then add half the filling into the yolks, whisking to temper the yolks. Add the mixture back into the pan and cook over heat, boiling for another minute. Remove from heat. Add vanilla, butter, and coconut. Cool the filling slightly (about 30 minutes) and pour into a baked pie shell. Cover custard with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours until set.

To toast coconut: spread sweetened, flaked coconut over a cookie sheet and put into a 400 degree oven. Stir occasionally and shake around until coconut is golden brown. Don’t walk away (I’ve burned many, many sheets of coconut walking away.) Cool before using as a topping.

Beat the cream and sugar together until whipped to soft peaks, spread over the pie. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

–If you want to keep the pie for a couple days, it’s best to stabilize your whipping cream before you beat it. Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold cream. Allow it to bloom (just hang out for about 5 minutes) and then nuke the mixture for about 20 seconds (watch it closely!) to melt the gelatin and cream together. Stir with a fork until combined, warming it as needed until melted. Add the mixture in a slow stream into the rest of the whipping cream, and finish beating the cream to soft peaks.

http://todaysmama.com/2013/02/the-worlds-best-coconut-cream-pie-recipe-ever/

Karla's 2016 Favorite Recipes!!

I can't believe 2016 is ending!!  The year has sped by so fast...  I usually wait to compile this until the New Year.  But decided I would make it my Christmas Gift this year!!  Hope you enjoy a taste of our favorites this year!!  

At Thanksgiving time I wanted a Thanksgiving Snack for munching, so I set out to create one.  I love my go to snack of microwave popcorn drizzled with melted almond bark so that became my basic recipe. I added bugles to look like cornucopias, I added pretzels for a color contrast and fall colored candies.   This is what I came up with....and everyone loved it.  I think it will be made very often...not just for Thanksgiving.  It is addicting & easy & everyone loves it!!!  My newest and this year's BEST!!! 

Thanksgiving/Holiday Popcorn Mix

2 bags microwave popcorn, popped 

about 3 c. Bugles (just dump some in)

about 2 c. pretzels (just dump some in)  

1 c. Reese's pieces candy

4 or 5 squares melted almond bark (I prefer 4)  

Mix together in large metal bowl: popcorn, Bugles, and pretzels .

Melt almond bark in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 60 seconds until melted.  Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and stir well. Stir in the candy.  That's it!!

I had planned to add candy corn too but I forgot.  Maybe next time?

For Christmas I used Corn Chex Cereal instead of the Bugles and M&Ms instead of Reese's pieces.  I took this to our Garden Club Party and every crumb was gone.  It would be great for any holiday and can be changed according to your likes....I am changing the name to Holiday Popcorn Mix.  

Chicken Tortellini Soup in a Crock Pot - I used my instant pot so I could brown the chicken before adding the other ingredients. 
1½ pounds boneless chicken breast (I used thighs, cubed and browned in a little oil, before adding other ingredients - or just add whole chicken pieces and remove and shred or cube after it has cooked)
2 c. carrots, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 c. water
2 T. chicken bouillon
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 T. dried parsley
1 t. season salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. cheese tortellini

Add all of the ingredients except for the tortellini to a crock pot or instant pot.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Stir in the tortellini and cook for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked all the way through.
Note:  if you are in a hurry & want to cook this using the pressure cooker of the Instant pot - add everything except the tortellini and set on high for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile cook the tortellini on the stove top and add to soup at serving time. .  OR at the end add tortellini to the instant pot and cook at high pressure for 4 more minutes. 

Cucumber Tomato Salad
For the salad:
Approximately 3 cups peeled & sliced cucumbers
3 cups of Juliet & Sun Sugar tomatoes or whatever you have
1/3 c. chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil (I used sweet basil and lime basil)
For the dressing:
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
3/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1/2 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 t. dill weed
1 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt 
1/4 t. pepper

Place salad ingredients in large bowl and toss.
Mix dressing ingredients in small bowl; stir to combine well.  Drizzle with the dressing at serving time.

TOMATO BASIL BREAD
1/2 c. warm milk - microwave 30 seconds
1/2 c. pureed ripe tomatoes (blend in blender with the garlic & herbs)
2 T. fresh basil, minced
1 T. fresh chives, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. fresh oregano, minced
1 egg
2 T. oil
1/2 t. salt

1 T. sugar
3 c. slightly rounded, bread flour
1 T. yeast

GARLIC CHIVE SPREAD
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 T. fresh chives, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
Place bread ingredients in bread machine pan in order listed.   Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing, add 1 to 2 T. water or flour if needed.  Bake in bread machine or remove dough, form into 2 artisan loaves and bake in oven at 375 for 20 minutes.  

In bowl, combine spread ingredients. Serve with bread. 

I also used this dough to make pizza crust.  It made enough for a cookie sheet and a half sized cookie sheet.  I sprayed the pans.  Patted out the dough and baked it at 375 for 10 minutes.  Then I used 16 oz. tomato sauce, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt & pepper for my sauce.  Sprinkled with cheese and canadian bacon and basil or pizza seasoning.  Baked 15 more minutes.  It turned out great!!  And the tomato lovers garnished it with fresh sliced tomatoes.

** So I can make this all year round I puree my tomatoes and herbs together and freeze them in little jars.  

    

Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Pie

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sugar

1 T. vanilla

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1 egg

10 caramels unwrapped or 1/2 c. caramel sauce (I used my 6 minute caramel sauce)

1 1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

caramel and/or chocolate sauce to drizzle for serving

On stove heat 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet on medium low, add butter. When butter is completely melted stir in sugar. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and egg. Stir to incorporate all ingredients and pat into a layer of dough covering the skillet. Drizzle caramel on top of dough, then add chocolate chips and coconut. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Don't bake until center is totally cooked, the pan will stay hot and it will continue to bake after removing from oven..

Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel and/or chocolate sauce. 

Fresh Raspberry Pie
5 to 6 c. fresh raspberries
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. water
1 to 1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. Instant Clear Jel
Mash 2 cups of the raspberries in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and water.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and Instant ClearJel, then sprinkle this over the raspberry mixture; stir to combine.
Fold the remaining berries into the mashed berry mixture.
Spoon the berry mixture into the pie shell formed in a 10 or 12"cast iron skillet and fold over the edges or add a top crust.  Brush with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar. 

Yield: 1 pie, 8 to 10 servings.  With leftovers to drizzle over the ice cream. 

Great in a cast iron skillet.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes on lowest oven rack.

 

Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 T. vanilla 

1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips, divided

Mix together:  flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

Place in mixing bowl:  eggs, both sugars, vanilla, and butter beat well.

Add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix well.

Add 1 c. chocolate chips and mix in.

Spread mixture evenly in a lightly sprayed cast iron skillet.

Spread the remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips on the top of the mixture and gently push them in.

Bake at 375 for 17 to 19 minutes.

This recipe was lost for many years.  Grandma Janie Kimball had given this recipe to Caroline McConnel many years ago.  Right before our fire Sharon McConnel (Caroline's daughter) found it and sent it to me.  I knew I had saved it on my computer but my computer was ruined in the fire.  I asked Sharon again but she was unable to locate it.  This year going thru some photos I had saved on my portable hard disc I found it!!  Happy day!!  It has become one of our family favorites!!  It will be our Christmas Dessert this Year!!!  Hope you like it too!! Merry Christmas!!

Grandma Janie Kimball's Devil's Food Cake
Mix together:
1/2 c. soft shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
Beat in thoroughly one at a time:
2 large eggs
Sift together:
1 3/4 c. cake flour **   (I used 1 1/2 c. flour and 1/4 c. corn starch)
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
Beat into sugar mixture alternately with:
1 c. sour or sweet milk (sour = buttermilk or sweet = raw milk - Grandma used sweet milk)
Blend in:
2 qs. chocolate (Grandma used 1/2 c. cocoa & fill to 1 cup line with boiling water). Makes a thin batter.  Pour into greased and floured 8 x 12 inch oblong pan.  Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 min. 

**  for 1 cup cake flour you can substitute with 2 T. corn starch & 3/4 c. all purpose flour sifted together. 

***google says qs = quantity sufficient, an old term

This is the frosting I used on it.....my newest chocolate favorite!!! 

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

2 c. (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. butter, cubed

1 c. (8 ounces) sour cream

4-1/2 to 6 c. confectioners' sugar

In a small saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat (or in microwave). Transfer to mixer bowl; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.  
**Thin with water or milk to make a great glaze.  I keep this in the fridge, it is great on anything that needs a chocolate finish.

My Christmas Wish for you.......As you sit around the table eating and enjoying the precious gift of family I pray you will feel the love of our Savior and His richest blessing will be yours This Christmas Season. May your CHRISTMAS be MERRY and 2017 be the best year ever!!! Love to all ~ Karla 

Day 20 = Jesus Saw Potential in Others and So Can You
#LIGHTtheWorld

No Cook Coconut Cream Pie

No Cook Coconut Cream Pie
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
2-3/4 cups milk
1 t. coconut extract
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
Toasted coconut

In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mixes, milk and extract for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping and coconut.
Pour into the crust. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Chill until serving. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Fresh Raspberry Pie.....

My raspberries are ready and I see a Fresh Raspberry Pie about to happen for the 4th of July!!!

Fresh Raspberry Pie
5 to 6 c. fresh raspberries
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. water
1 to 1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. Instant Clear Jel
Mash 2 cups of the raspberries in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and water.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and Instant ClearJel, then sprinkle this over the raspberry mixture; stir to combine.
Fold the remaining berries into the mashed berry mixture.
Spoon the berry mixture into the pie shell formed in a 10 or 12"cast iron skillet and fold over the edges or add a top crust.  Brush with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar.

.
Yield: 1 pie, 8 to 10 servings.  With leftovers to drizzle over the ice cream.

Great in a cast iron skillet.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes on lowest oven rack. 

No Cook Coconut Pie

No Cook Coconut Pie ........ from Taste of Home
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
2-3/4 cups cold 2% milk
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
Toasted coconut
 In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mixes, milk and extract for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping and coconut.
Pour into the crust. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Chill until serving. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie
1 pie crust recipe
For the Toasted Coconut Topping
½ cup flaked, sweetened coconut
For the Coconut Custard
1½ cups coconut milk or Whole milk or half & half (I used 3/4 c. Cream of Coconut)
1½ cups half & half (I used 2 1/4 c. whole milk)
5 egg yolks ( I used 6)
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups flaked, sweetened coconut
1½ teaspoons vanilla
For the Whipped Topping
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla


Prepare pie crust according to blind-baking instructions of recipe.
For the Toasted Coconut Topping
Spread coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place into 350º F oven for 8-10 minutes until coconut has just begun to turn brown.
Set aside to cool.
For the Coconut Custard
Stir together in 2 qt. microwave bowl, sugar & cornstarch.  Add milk, half & half & egg yolks and stir well.  Microwave for 3:33 stir and repeat.
Stir in butter, salt, coconut & vanilla.
Spread custard into pie crust. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until set, about 30-45 minutes.
For the Whipped Topping
Add sugar and heavy whipping cream to large bowl. Whisk with an electric mixer just until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and whisk just until combined.
Spread whipped cream on top of coconut custard. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, top with toasted coconut.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

• Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
• 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup sugar*
• 1/4 cup Instant Clear Jel
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds (about 8 cups prepared) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• *Use the lesser amount with fresh, ripe berries, the greater amount for frozen or out-of-season berries.
• Can use frozen berries, thawed & drained but fresh is best!!

Whisk together the sugar, clear jel & salt.

Toss the strawberries with the lemon juice and stir into the sugar mixture.  Spoon the filling into an unbaked 9" pie shell, mounding it in the center.  Make a top crust or cutout for the top.  Brush top with water and sprinkle with course white sparklling sugar, if desired.  

Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.  Reduce heat to 375 and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least one hour to set up. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.  

 

Coconut Cream Pie

When it comes to pie recipes, coconut pie takes the blue ribbon. 

Coconut Cream Pie
1 - 9 " pie crust, baked
Pie Filling:
1/2 c. sugar 
1/4 c. cornstarch 
2 c. half-and-half 
4 egg yolks 
3 T. butter 
1 c. sweetened flaked coconut 
1 t. vanilla
Whipped Cream:
2 c. whipping cream 
1/3 c. sugar 
1 1/2 t. vanilla
Garnish: toasted coconut 
Combine sugar and cornstarch in a heavy saucepan. Whisk together half-and-half and egg yolks. Gradually whisk egg mixture into sugar mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in butter, 1 cup coconut, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap, placing plastic wrap directly on filling in pan; let stand 30 minutes. Spoon custard mixture into prepared crust, cover and chill 30 minutes or until set. 
Beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, beating until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over pie filling. Garnish, if desired.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
16 oz. cream cheese, softened 
1/2 c. sugar 
1/2 t. vanilla 
2 eggs 
1 (9 inch) prepared pie crust (or Graham cracker crust) 
1/2 c. pumpkin puree 
1/2 t. cinnamon 
1/4 t. cloves 
1/4 t. nutmeg 
1/2 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed 
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs.  Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust. Bake at 325 for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving.

Kreamy Kool-Aid Pie

Kreamy Kool -Aid Pie
8 ounce Cool Whip Whipped Topping
1 packet kool-aid 
14 ounce  Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 graham cracker crust (or a baked shell - I make these now that I know how)
Combine cool whip and condensed milk and mix together with a wire whisk. Add the kool-aid and mix well.  Add the filling to the graham cracker crust.  Add some fresh fruit to the top if you like.  Refrigerate until serving time.

Log Cabin Day 2013......

Well Log Cabin Day, Feb.18, 2013 was a big success!  Diane Beagley gave the most amazing pie class ever!!  I am still in awe and need to find an extra hour to try out these new recipes Diane shared with us.

Pie Making 101 tips shared by Diane.....

There are 2 things people do wrong when making pie crust.
#1 they use TOO much flour
#2 they over mix the crust  - the only mixer you need is your hands!!

Roll your dough directly on your counter.  Pat your hand in flour and then spread that flour over your counter.  Pat your hand in flour and rub it on your rolling pin.  That is ALL the flour you need until you turn your dough and then you will flour your counter and rolling pin one more time.

Always roll your rolling pin forward and back.  Never side ways, never at an angle as the pressure is different and then the dough will not be the same thickness.

Once dough is rolled out fold in half and then half again.  Transfer dough to your pie tin.

For a single crust pie = turn pie tin upside down and form the dough over the outside of the pan.  Trim any excess dough with the back of a butter knife.  Prick the bottom with a fork all over.  Bake.  Cool and place another pie tin over the crust and turn over....now the crust is inside the pan.  You can stack these in your freezer for later use.

To tell if your pie is done = pinch the pie pan between your thumb and index finger. Gently shake pan side to side.  If the crust is done it will release from the pan and spin.  It will only spin if it is done and only while it is hot from the oven.  This even works on a double crust filled pie.

For a double crust pie you form the dough in the bottom of the pie tin.....DO NOT prick it as the filling will run out.  Do not over fill the pie.  The filling should be level with the top unless you are using fresh fruit that will cook down.  Once you have rolled out the top crust you can use cookie cutters to cut out vent holes or fold the crust and clip it with scissors.  Rub the edge of the bottom crust with water.  Then place top crust  on top of the filling.  Trim excess dough with the back of a butter knife.  To crimp the edges....hold left index finger against pan...with right thumb gently lift the crust while pinching  dough between thumb and index finger and twisting the dough.  OR simply press edges together with a fork to seal crust edges.

Double crust pies are best if brushed with milk and sprinkled with sugar prior to baking.

If your double crust filled pie is frozen when baking it will take 15 to 25 minutes more to bake.

Diane said to bake pies on the bottom shelf of your oven......but I am pretty sure that is not the case in my oven....because it burns everything that is in the bottom half of the oven.  Mine came out fine when I baked them where I bake everything else.

Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought.
2 large eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C white granulated sugar
1/2 C packed brown sugar
3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 C chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
1 C chopped pecans (optional)

Vanilla ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream for serving (I prefer ice cream)

optional: chocolate sauce 

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack or serve slightly warmed.  Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Pumpkin...

Ever since we went to the "Pumpkin Patch" Connor has been wanting to make Pumpkin Pie.  So today we cooked Connor's "Perfect Pumpkin" and we roasted the seeds too!!

Cooking Pumpkin on the stove...
Cut pumpkin in half, scooping out the seeds. Then, cut pumpkin into large chunks, but leave the skin on.

Place chunks in a large steamer basket (or a colander placed inside a dutch oven, with water on the bottom). Steam for 20 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender. After if cooled we sliced the cooked pumpkin off the skin and blended it in the blender.  We are now ready to make pumpkin pies.....but I think that will have to wait for another day....in the meantime it will go in the freezer. 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.....
We rinsed the seeds with hot water in a colander, and dried them with a paper towel.  We spread a small amount of cooking oil on a cookie sheet.  Spread the seeds on the cookie sheet and stirred them around to coat them with oil and then sprinkled them with popcorn salt.  Then we baked them in oven at 350 for 15 minutes.  We stirred them and baked them for 15 minutes more.  Remove from oven, stir and sprinkle with more salt.  Cool and eat! 

After eating quite a few of these Abbi wanted some juice......
So, we got out a quart of homemade grape juice and mixed it with lemonade.

Nov. 24, 2010 - Connor came today to make his Pumpkin Pie.  He was so excited and he helped through the whole process, he never once left my side.  He loved measuring, stirring and mixing!!    As he can see from the photo abaove he was very proud and happy when he was done!!!   However, he would not even take a bite no matter how hard we encouraged him.  He did eat a piece of apple pie though.....

Lemon Velvet Cream Pie

My Dad's all time favorite pie is Lemon Meringue Pie.....and he loves anything lemon.....I think he might like this one for a change????

Lemon Velvet Cream Pie
1 pie shell, baked about 15 minutes  - (use the perfect pastry recipe)
1 t. unflavored gelatin
2 T. cold water
6 egg yolks
2 c. sweetened condensed milk
1/4 c. whipping cream
1/4 t. salt
3/4 c. lemon juice
Whipped cream & lemon peel slivers
In a small bowl soften gelatin in water for 5 minutes.  Heat in microwave for 14 seconds and set aside.
In a mixer bowl combine egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk and beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes.  Beat in gelatin, whipping cream and salt at low speed.  Add lemon juice and beat on low for 30 seconds.  Pour into prepared crust.  Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until center of pie looks set when gently shaken.  Cool on rack for 1 hour.  Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 2 hours. 
Top with whipped cream and lemon peel slivers at serving time. 

Pumpkin Pie and Pastry....

Thanksgiving will soon be here.....here is a recipe I want to try....Steve's favorite pie is Pumpkin Pie.

Perfect Pie Pastry
3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 T. sugar
1 1/2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. baking powder
1 3/4 c. cold unsalted butter, cut up (must be cold and firm)
2/3 c. ice cold water
2 T. sour cream
1 t. vinegar
In a very large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter leaving pea sized chunks.
In a 2 cup glass measure whisk water, sour cream, and vinegar; pour, all at once into flour mixture, and quickly distribute. Stop!  Don't overmix - stir the wet ingredients into the dry and then stop, as the dough rests it will come together. Your dough should have butter knots the side of peas. 
Make sure dough is slightly crumbly. Divide dough mixture into 3 equal portions.  Refrigerate for 2 hours and best overnight (finish by hand). DO NOT OVERMIX- the finished dough should break, not stretch.
Gently knead in bag to bring dough together. Form into discs.
Use at once or wrap and store in refrigerator for several days or in freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes for a baked shell or as directed in pie recipe. 
Pastry tips:
*don't roll too thin, 1/4 " is best
*butter the pie dish so the crust doesn't stick to the pan
*to prevent shrinkage, do not stretch the dough

Pumpkin Pie
1- 9" baked pie shell
1 1/4 c. canned pumpkin
2/3 c. brown sugar
1 1/4 t. giner
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. cloves
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 c. milk
1/2. c. whipping cream
1/2 t. vanilla
In a saucepan combine pumpkin, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves.  Cook & stir over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.
Beat in eggs.  Add milk, cream and vanilla.  Pour into baked crust.  Bake for 50 minutes or until knife comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack for 1 hour.  Store in refrigerator.

Pumpkin.....in the freezer

Patricia Whiteley commented:

Hey Karla, Your mom had an awesome pumpkin pie recipe in her book! I made it with my frozen pumpkin yesterday, and it turned out wonderful! She is right when she said that she liked the double spices.......awesome! Thanks to all of you! Hugs.

Karla asked:
Pat, so glad you liked it!!! So what do you do when you freeze your pumpkin??? Would love to know???

Pat's reply:

"Wash, cut into large pieces, pressure cook, cool down, scrape from skin, drain off the water or squeeze with cheesecloth, mash it up, measure into 4 cup batches, put into freezer bags, pull the air out, double bag, then freeze. I just can't throw away a beautiful pumpkin!!! It's also ready for pumpkin bread, smoothie (healthy) and anything else needing pumpkin! You may want to cook it in the open to thicken up the puree. I don't, cause we like it as it is."

Blackberry Pie Filling.....or whatever kind of berry????

Lisa called this afternoon and she came home with a gallon of blackberries after fighting off all those thorns!!! She wanted to make canned pie filling because Blackberry Pie Filling is Kasey's favorite dutch oven cobbler ingredient and it is expensive to buy. Here's what we came up with. This was YUMMY and made 7 pint jars full.

BERRY PIE FILLING
5 c. water, more after cooking as needed, (we added about 1/2 c. more)
1 gallon Blackberries, or any berry
1 1/2 c. clear jel (regular, non-instant)
4 c. sugar
3/8 c. lemon juice
Wash berries. In 9 qt. pot bring water to boil. Add berries and boil 1 minute. Drain berries and return juice to cooking pot. In a separate bowl, completely mix together the clear jel and sugar. Then add dry ingredients to the juice and stir well. Cook over medium high heat, stirring often until mixture thickens and starts to boil. Add lemon juice and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Fold in berries and add more water until desired consistency is obtained. Fill canning jars and water bath for 35 minutes for pints or quarts.