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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Me Oh My Cherry Pie!

Without the red dye!
 

 
Ok, I'm done rhyming now. ;)
 

 
First things first you'll need some crust.
I make my Grandma Linda's Lard Pie Crust.
You can find the recipe on my old blog, birds of the air, here.
You'll need a couple lovely egg yolks such as these laid by my own dear Jemima Puddle Duck.
 

 
Now for the filling!
You need 3 cans of tart cherries in water.
I normally have to buy Oregon brand cherries,
but thankfully my beloved Aldi was offering their own canned cherries recently.
(For about 1/2 the price! Score!)
You'll drain the cherry "juice" into a pyrex measuring cup & use 1/2 of it in the filling.
 
 
Here are what the cherries look like before you cook them.
Rather pale, but never fear they'll turn a lovely ruby red before we're through!
 
 
After a few minutes of simmering they are beautiful!
 
Here is the recipe:
3 cans red tart cherries in water
4T cornstarch
1 1/4c sugar
1/8t salt
2 pie crusts
 
In a heavy bottomed saucepan combine cherries with 1 1/2 cans worth of their "juice", cornstarch, sugar, & salt. Bring to a simmer and cook over med-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 425*F. Roll out crusts. Line pie plate with one. Pour in the filling. Make a lattice top. Brush with egg white. Bake on a foil lined baking sheet for 20 minutes. Lower temperature to 375*F, cover crust with a foil shield & bake for 30-40 minutes more. Let cool about 3 hours to allow pie to set properly.
(I found this great recipe via Pinterest.  Here is the original recipe source.)
I've always had trouble with cherry pies not setting up properly & not having that beautiful red without red dye #40. This recipe solved both problems. Yay!
 
 
All ready for tomorrow!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
^_^

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Scarlett's knit lace gown...

 
 My Aunt commissioned this lovely lace gown for her granddaughter Scarlett to wear for Christmas.
 
 
 I just love the intricate lace at the bottom.
 
 
Matching bonnet & booties are a must!
 
 
I can't wait to see her in it.
(Well, a photo of her in it. They live in Texas.) ;)
 


Sunday, November 2, 2014

the cutest cowboys ever...

 As promised a while back, here are James & Jack in their cowboy sweaters.
I made them for their birthdays from a vintage pattern from the 50's.
These cute cousins are just two months apart in age,
 so most of their gifts from this Auntie will probably be matchy-matchy. ;)
 "Tough stuff" :P

 Naturally, getting a nice shot of the back of their sweaters was as easy as saying "RUN BOYS!"


 Admiring each others boots.

James

Jack
(The photo credit for this last pic goes to my sister Beth, Jack's mommy.)
I can not help but smile every time I look at these sweet faces.
***
I am considering making this sweater for custom orders.
 Feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Miss Potter for a day...

 
 I'm so inspired by Beatrix Potter-
Her lovely art & adorable stories,
her conservation of Lake District farms & sheep.
I thought it would be fun to dress up as her for Halloween.
My sister Kelsey's beautiful home fit the time period perfectly!
(Well apart from the T.V. in the background.)

 I made my skirt from some wonderful wool fabric that I bought 
on super duper clearance at Joanns a while back.
I think it will be much loved this winter if we have one similar to last year's!
***
I'm the "fun" (immature) Auntie who still likes to dress up with the kiddies.

I love these kiddos!
haha! My face is just hilarious in this one.
I was trying to keep Jack the Lumberjack from flying headfirst down the steps.
(That kid isn't afraid of anything!)
***
We have a joke in our family that November 1st is the official kickoff of the Holiday season.
So...
True 
Happy 1st day of the Holiday season! ^_^