Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Pumpkins and Apples

My friend Jenny wrote on her FB the other day how much she was looking forward to fall.  I am too and have totally been feeling the same way.  This Colorado girl wasn't cut out for such high humidity partnered with such high temperatures!

I can feel them coming though, the days of fall.  Summer is winding down and soon we'll be in the heart of the best weather, smells, and colors.

I spent all of yesterday writing the curriculum for our preschool fall programming.  Talk about leaving your desk feeling accomplished and yet totally exhausted!  I'm there...  Doing these things helps me to know that fall is indeed on it's way.

I've been making muffins for breakfast in the morning.  Nothing like a convenient breakfast I can eat in the car.  I used to be better about getting up and eating cereal or toast or something.  Summer has gotten the better of me.  I'm doing all I can to actually be out of bed by 7:30 in the morning.  Anyway... I decided to make my FAVORITE homemade muffins, Pumpkin Apple muffins with streusel topping.  These are SO good.  Bakery worthy even.  The two I had for breakfast have left me wanting more all day.  Here's the thing about pumpkin in the summer.  Apparently stores are under the assumption that pumpkin can only be purchased and used in the fall and winter.  I went to Walmart and got everything I needed for my scrumptious muffins, but they didn't have any canned pumpkin.  So I ran across the street to Target.  No pumpkin there.  You know I was determined because I drove to Hy-Vee looking for it.  FINALLY!  It was even on sale for $0.89 a can.  Yay Hy-Vee.

Also, speaking of apples.  My fam is coming to our house for Thanksgiving this year.  I'm totally excited.  This will be my first time to host a holiday.  Here's the deal though.  I can't make pie.  Well I mean I can if I buy the crust frozen.  I've determined to start making apple pies until I get it right.  Any guinea pigs?  My grandma showed me ONE time how to make a good pie crust.  Evidently I'm not a fast learner.  How can I host Thanksgiving and not be able to make a good pie?  I've gotta get this figured out.  Any pie makers out there with great pie crust suggestions?

So Jenny, I agree with you... it's about time fall arrived.  Until then, I'll keep eating my muffins and practicing my pies!

3 comments:

  1. Ok hosting a holiday does not mean you provide all the food, does it??? Hello, have Momma Blacker bring the pies!

    And whennnn in the world is fall going to get here?? And we'll be up around Omaha next weekend, maybe there is a chance we could see you guys or something!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've had the same issue with finding canned pumpkin, since it's a miracle cure for doggie digestion (works both ways - if constipated & if have diarrhea). Anyway, I think grocery stores carry it all the time, but the supercenters not so much.
    Also, I have a good Pampered Chef apple pie recipe that's got a crumb topping; I made it for Thanksgiving once. But I also recommend Wheatfield's for incredible pies. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ok, here is my grandmas recipe for pie crust. I think it is super easy...I've never tried any other!

    Flaky Pie Crust

    2/3 c Oil
    1/3 c Milk
    1 tsp salt
    2 c Flour

    Mix oil & milk together; pour over flour & salt in bowl. Mix just until blended. Roll out between 2 sheets of plastic wrap.

    Good luck!!! Hope you find something that works. Oh & as far as filling goes, I fill my crust with apples that I season with cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, etc...and mix in some dry tapioca, it helps thicken the juices & stuff in the middle! YUM!!! Now I kinda wanna make pie!

    ReplyDelete