Fresh Strawberry Pie

Strawberry is by far my favorite fruit, I love how versatile it is. One can make smoothies, pies, ice-creams, cakes, cupcakes...the possibilities are endless. I tried this new recipe this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out, just sweet enough, smooth texture, yum! It's a keeper for sure. 

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 package refrigerated pie crust, or your favorite homemade recipe

- 1 cup sugar

- 5 tablespoons cornstarch

- 7 ounces ( about 1 cup) Sprite

- 1 quart sliced strawberries

Directions: 

Place dough in a pie plate, removing excess edge and poking holes on it with a fork to prevent it from rising. Bake it in a pre-heated, 425F oven for about 13-14 minutes, until browned.

For the filling, blend sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; add Sprite and cook stirring until smooth and thick. You can add red food coloring if desired, I did and it looked great! Add strawberries and cook for five minutes. Pour into cooled pie shell and cool. Top with whipped cream.

Fresh strawberry pie, easy and delicious!

Fresh strawberry pie and premium vanilla ice cream. Oh So Sweet!

Pumpkin Pie

What can I say? After a lot of research I ended up using the exact same recipe I have been using for years. I thought of substituting evaporated milk for condensed milk but Dear Husband doesn't like his desserts very sweet, and since I make this pie for him, I decided to keep it simple the way he likes it. I did however used my fresh pumpkin puree instead of the one in a can, and it did make a difference! It was more aromatic and creamier.

                  Ready to go into the oven.

So it turns out I forgot to take a picture of the pumpkin pie. But here is a group picture, sugar-free chocolate cake on the left ( baked by my mom). pecan pie on the right and pumpkin on top.

Pecan Pie

This is my absolute favorite pie of all times, I could eat it day and night. I make it every year but I have to say this was the best one yet. I did a lot of researching on the web, and based upon my experience selected this recipe.

I made sure I toasted the pecans before hand, I put them on the bottom of the pan as opposed to mixing them with the sauce. 

But I think that what made it really special was the fact when the pie was settled but still warm I brushed it with a mix of light corn syrup and rum. Oh my goodness, it made it look professional and tasted like heaven. 

However, I am ashamed to say I did not made the crust. I have yet to get a gist of how to get it all flaky and buttery, and decided Thanksgiving was not the time to go around experimenting. I will work on improving my technique this coming year so hopefully I will have an awesome recipe to share in 2011. 

            Lightly toasting the pecans to release the oils.

                       My super-helpful nieces arranging the pecans on the pan.

                              Ready to go into the oven. 

So it turns out I forgot to take a picture of the pecan pie. But here is a group picture, sugar-free chocolate cake on the left ( baked by my mom). pecan pie on the right and pumpkin on top.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the USA and I should have posted this then, except I was too exhausted to do so! Not easy to prepare such a huge meal. And I didn't do everything by myself, here is a list of what we had and who made what: 

1. Turkey- Dear Husband, he used Alton Brown's recipe, the same we have been using for years, and it came out fabulous.
2. Gravy- Dear Husband, his specialty, sorry I have no idea what he puts into it or how he goes about making it. I've never paid enough attention. Maybe next time.
3. Stuffing- Dear Husband, it was white bread with pecans, cranberries, celery and onions. Cooked everything on the stove top then baked it. My favorite!
4. Rice- Me. Yes, I know, the pilgrims did not eat rice but I just had to have it. I made a casserole out it, cooked the rice as usual then added cranberries, corn , topped it with mozzarella cheese and broiled it.
5. Cranberry Sauce- Me. I made the recipe I had already posted here, but this time I cooked a little less so it was softer, very nice. 
6. Mashed Potatoes- Dear Husband and I. Team work, best spuds ever!  Our secret? A ton of cream and butter, oh so tasty!
7. Sweet Potato Casserole, Peas, and Assorted Vegetables- Sister-in-Law. She is in charge every year, and I am sure they were delicious, I wouldn't know because I don't eat vegetables. Oh yes, I am aware of  the health benefits and all. But I really hate how they taste and smell.
8. Rolls- Mom. She made them from scratch and they were awesome. I can only hope to be half the baker she is one day. 
9. Appetizers- Mom-in-Law. We had different types of shrimp and sauces, and an extra yummy crab and cream-cheese filled wonton thingy, super yummy. You didn't think we were only having all of the above, right?
10. Apple Pie- Dear Husband, he doesn't really have a recipe, just kinda experiments with different flavors every year, and always changes the amounts. 
11. Pecan Pie- Me. Here is the recipe. 
12. Pumpkin Pie- Me. For the recipe click here. 

So it might look like I did not do a lot work, however for Dear Husband's dishes I did all the prep work, chopping, peeling etc... I also washed a ton of dishes, because I only have one dishwasher and so many dishes. In addition we had to move furniture around to accommodate everybody, clean all the silver, set the tables and serving stations...only ten people but still time consuming. Not complaining, just explaining. We do it every year and love it, a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come. 

 I like to serve big meals buffet style so there is plenty of room to move around the main table.

                        The main table.

     Stuffing in the front, mashed potatoes on the left, sweet potato casserole on the right.

                 The main attractions: 20.5 lbs. turkey.

        Rice casserole in front, veggies in the back and left, rolls on the right.

          Brinning the turkey.

                Roasting the turkey. 

                          All-American apple pie.