Best Dough Ever

Hello Bakers!
I know the pinnacle of baking season is at its close, but a friend asked me for my version of the *best* piecrust recipe. Since it seems like this is next to the quest for the fountain of youth, I decided to copy my reply email to share with you all. (And also as a one-stop resource for me in the future to remember which one I liked best for the specific pie.) These are just for the basic pie dough. There is one missing and that is the cream cheese crust that you might use for a savory pie, like my husband's favorite Turkey Apple Sausage pie. I can update you later for that one.

There are two(ok 3) piecrust recipies I heavily reccomend:

• #1: Alan's Pie Crust
   The best in my opinion is for a double crust and I love the flavor:

• 
  #2: Baked Shell
  This next one is great for "blind baking"- like when you make a single crust for a custard pie and the small amount of vegetable shortening really helps it hold up during the baking process. Just remember to follow all the directions in regards to freezing the piecrust before baking and placing parchment paper inside with beans or pieweights so it doesn't puff up. It sounds like a lot but its totally worth it.

• #3:Pate Brisee
  Lastly, there is always Julia Childs' and Martha Stewart's pâte brisée, which is a lot of butter and so good if you baby it- ie. cold water, cold butter, very little manipuilation. I used to do this one all the time until I discovered the #1 recipe from BHG where it uses sour cream and vinegar.

Sorry if I gave you too much! I know its a simple question, but it rings dear to my heart as I am always on the lookout for the BEST piecrust, too!

Also, I haven't read it yet, but this might be a great resource for all of our pie needs!

belated: Fall Soup Recipe

 Autumn Curry pumpkin soup



 

3 lbs or 2 med. Sugar pumpkins, halved, seeded and cut into quarters
1 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
2 small onions, thinly sliced
3 tsp ea. yellow curry powder and salt
2 tsp ea. cinnamon & ginger
2 tsp . white pepper,  ground
32 oz. chicken stock
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp real maple syrup



1. Preheat oven to 450. Place cut pumpkin skin side up on rimmed baking sheet- add water and roast for 30-40mins or until able to pierce with a fork.

2. Sauté onion and carrots in olive oil until onions are transparent and tender. Add pumpkin when finished roasting. Cook until all ingredients are soft. Combine seasonings in separate bowl, whisk with a fork. Stir seasonings to sauté mixture and let sweat for seasonings to permeate squash for 10 mins. Add chicken stock and simmer for 20 mins.


3. Puree soup in two batches in blender or food processer.

4. Place pot back on stove and add coconut milk. Simmer. Salt & pepper to taste.


5. Garnish with spoonful of crème fraiche or greek yogurt and toasted sage leaf.

Added to the menu:

Serve with a luscious glass of Chinon from the Loire region in France

• Wilted Rainbow Swiss Chard with toasted pecans & Balsamic glaze
•  Grilled White Cheddar on Onion Poppyseed Bread

Winter Fuel

This morning, the kids and enjoyed a satisfying experiment from our kitchen. Be prepared to have energy to run a marathon, hike the olympics or watch a Psych marathon!

Make oatmeal according to directions on Old Fashioned oats package. (I did 1/2 milk, 1/2 water, for a richer cereal.)
Toast chopped pecans in a small saute pan, when fragrant, add ~1/4c. wheat germ- toast for a few mins until also fragrant. Remove from pan and add diced mission figs & 1/3c. shredded organic coconut to cooked oatmeal. Top with 1tbsp. of cream & agave sweetener.

How good would these be in cookie form (with white chocolate chips)?!

I am more

(because of You) I am more

more than a circumstance I cannot control

more than an ox with a burden

more than a series of catalogued mistakes

more than an broken soul crying out

I am more than

‘just’ a woman in a pair of high heels
more than ‘just’ a mom, exhausted and fulfilled
more than a set of morals & pleasantries

more than an embarrassed, clumsy, graceless, loud & unruly child

Because of You

I am peaceful

I am weightless

I am forgiven

I am redeemed

I am unconditionally loved

I am understood

I am KNOWN

I am embraced

Ashley Jackson 2011