But some know of some of my other accomplishments. For the past couple years I've been taking baked goods down to the Kern County Fair. And so, I am also an award wining baker. Two years ago I got a ribbon for my Mixed Berry Pie. (I only correct people when they mistakenly say it got first. I try to introduce it merely as award winning. And fourth is still pretty good.)
Just recently a friend had a birthday and requested that pie for the festivity. Which can be seen in all its crusty glory in the picture here. Now I am exposed to a tiny (and insignificant) degree of sexism by many people that are surprised that I bake pies. But after all the affidavits are signed and notarized people are impressed by both the fact that I bake pies and how very good they actually taste.Within only a few minutes of this pie being cut, it was gone, with a few of the party goers missing out and having to make due with lesser desserts. And the pie pan was virtually licked clean.
But a much smaller number of people know my cooking first hand. There are poets' pot lucks and a few other friends, but most never get to try anything except the desserts. Just this last weekend, just the two of us, tried something completely new to us. Crepes Milanese. These are really simple but tasty. Crepes in a ramekin with prosciutto and egg. Baked then topped with a couple pieces of asparagus and Parmesan cheese.
Now I've got to stop thinking about food... It's not even lunchtime yet. So back to writing...
Drat! I need a snack. Writing can wait just a little longer. Right?
What a yummy post! Now you know, you must bake one of those pies and bring it to a WOK meeting. After all, we all need the chance to, ahem, judge it. I'm sure you'll have a lot of volunteers to verify the tastiness. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually thinking about bringing a pie to the next meeting... Though I'm not sure I have the berries for the mixed berry pie. I might just have to do cherry...
DeleteThat pie is beautiful! The crust a perfect golden. Nice! Berry pies are tied with pecan as my favorite. Here is a quick snack idea that I love to fix for me and my practically grown kids. Slice of french bread, drizzle with a little Extra Virgin Olive oil, top with a slice of mozzarella ( I like smoked mozz), broil till melted, top with sliced tomato, and slivers of onion. So good, so easy. Great Post~
ReplyDeleteGreat, now I'm hungry. I'm not really a cook or baker, but I do have a few specialties, and one is crepes. Usually filled with raspberry preserves, cream cheese and sour cream, with a sugar glaze drizzled on top. Yours look and sound fantastic. Also, I agree with Joan's suggestion and with Iola's choice of favorite pies.
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty yummy. I love a guy who can cook. xoA
ReplyDeleteBeware of the "chef's trap." I too am a renown chef among my circle. For me, the signature dish is Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake (it's really Jack Daniel's, not bourbon; my son J.D. doesn't like me to call it "J.D.'s Pumpkin Cheesecake though). I v to cook up feasts for my friends and relatives, but (here's the trap)they don't like having us their houses because thy "can't compare." Or so the excuses go.
ReplyDeleteI've run into that a little. One party we went to one of the other guests was concerned that we'd made something similar... So I can see the problem.
DeleteOh heavens! That crust is beautiful! Cake I can do...pies are my nemesis. Don't suppose you want to give the pie-challenged any tips? The crepes look delish too!
ReplyDeleteMy secret? Well... Instead of water in the crust, I use vodka. Gluten doesn't form as with water, so the crust is MUCH more forgiving of a relatively inexperience pie maker.
DeleteReally? Vodka? I would never have ever guessed. And now I have pie on the brain...must try this! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI think that it was "discovered" by the people at Cook's Illustrated. But I learned about it from Alton Brown.
DeleteWow!! I love a man that can cook and not just cook...bake pies. I bake and cook all the time, when i am not writing. Great Post! I need pie now!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually thinking I need to do a cobbler.
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