Monday, July 30, 2007

Pluot Pie with Crumble Topping

Holy Shit this was a great pie! I had 2 different groups clammoring for it. So I made a personal pie for home for my friend Jess's visit. And another one for the office. I had never even heard of a Pluot until Molly and I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday. It was so sweet and juicy. Perfect for a Pie I thought.

So delicious. The crumble topping was excellent. Nice and lemony which only enhanced the flavor of the pie. I added some plums which added a bit more color to the mix and a fun tartness.

My downfall here was that I cooked the 2 pies in the oven at the same time. Not a good idea. The edges of the crusts were burnt and their bottoms were still raw. Next time.... One at a time!!!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Fig & Raspberry Freeform Pie


Molly and I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday and bought a bunch of fresh fruit. We also bought the very first batch of Figs for the season from the farmer. Actually, Molly had never had a fig before. So after I bought mine we each popped one right into our mouths. Se was so surprised, and they were so delicious we bought him completely out!! So with Molly's new fondness for figs, I made this.

It was so easy to make and was so beautiful! I brought along some whipped cream to top it with, but we completely forgot to use it.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pie


I made this for Justine in honor of her leaving San Diego..... To return to San Diego in 3 weeks. She asked for a cheesecake and this was the closest I can manage. I cheated and bought a pre-made graham cracker crust. Sometimes it's just so worth it! There's nothing quite like a home-made crust. However, there really is nothing wrong with the store bought kind. It's just as buttery and flaky, and it so hassle-free!

This was the favorite of the night!The fresh berries mixed with the cooked ones worked very well, and the fresh ones burst in your mouth that only enhanced the flavor. But let's not forget the sour/cream cheese topping. Oh dear god! I don't feel bad that some of it didn't make it onto the pie. I just feel fat. If I wasn't so dedicated I would have pushed my entire face in that decadent bowl.

It would also be positively sinful on top of brownies

Jalepeno Pie

So this actually started off as a joke. I told my friend Lawler about the Pear Jalepeno Pie and asked him what kind of pie he wanted. He requested a purely Jalepeno Pie. Smart ass. But not to be out done, I did some research and actually found a Jalepeno Pie. Needless to say he was shocked. And then jealous when I didn't bring any in.

Basically this is a like a quiche. It's super simple and oh so yummy. Line the bottom of a pie pate with Jalepenos. (I used an entire jar, it was quite spicy)then cover that with grated cheese, and then cover all that with about 6 Eggs, beaten and seasoned with Salt & Pepper. Cook for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. It's so delicious, and a great breakfast. I served this up for Jess and I with "Mark's Luna Park Bloody Marys" (a great random find in San Francisco. If anyone goes to SF FIND THIS PLACE!!) It was phenomenal.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Lemon Meringue Pie

There's not much I can say about this, other than it was not Pie. It was a lovely Lemon Soup. The Meringue was perfect! So light and stiff and it browned wonderfully. But the pie just didn't set. I am not my Great Aunt Leona. ..... YET!

(her pies ALWAYS set. Always.)

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Pear Jalepeno Jelly Pie

I saw this in a recipie book, which I bought on the spot. I was so intrigued by the combination of the two I couldn't contain myself until I got home and started baking. I even bought a new pie plate in the honor of the new book.

I took it to a Kelly & Christine BBQ along with the Blackberry-Peach Pie. This won for the evening. I wouldn't tell anyone what was in it. I was afraid that they wouldn't try it if they knew it had anything "Odd" in it. And boy was I right. Thankfully they aren't close-minded friends, and so far this remains many of their favorites.

Blackberry Peach Pie

I Made this for a Kelly & Christine BBQ. Molly actually requested this and it does taste like her. Strangely enough it does. It fits her personality to a T. But so far this isn't her favorite pie. It's mine.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Cherry Pie

Happy 4th of July! It just isn't the 4th of July without a Cherry Pie. They're in season, and people just ooze when they see you walk into a party with baked goods! We partied down at Matt Schwartz's house and he cooked up a storm. At first we were upset because there was all this food and only a handful of people. But the 6 of us completely annihalated the 2 Beer Can Chickens, Blue Cheese Hamburgers, and Whole Fish Steamed in a Meringue Crust that all of us had a hand in whipping! We whipped it good!

There was a varied outcome on this. Some people thought it was too tart, others thought it was perfect. I used Dried Orange Cranberries instead of dried Cherries, and I thought it gave it a wonderful flavor without making it too tart. Though this pie deffinately needed Vanilla Ice Cream.

Molly and I decorated the top of the pie with a beautiful lattice crust and a great looking Cherry design. She did a beautiful job decorating it! Maybe she'll be awesome and post the pic she took!