Glazed Apple Cream Pie

After all that apple picking, I've been making crisps, pies, and lots of other yummy stuff. Here's one of my favorite, super easy apple pie recipes! Enjoy!

Glazed Apple Cream Pie

(see the original over at Allrecipes.com)

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (15 ounce) package pastry for double-crust pie
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, softened

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream, and 1/4 cup butter. Heat until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla; stir into saucepan. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine the apples, flour, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Line a 9 inch pie pan with pie dough. Pour thickened filling mixture into pastry-lined pie pan. Arrange apple mixture evenly over filling. Top with second crust, seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in top crust.
4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
5. In small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon softened butter. Blend until smooth; pour evenly over warm pie. Refrigerate for AT LEAST 1 1/2 hours before serving (longer is better).

Rainy Weekend

Anybody else still a bit soggy after that weekend?! Wow! I think it rained for 48 hours straight here, then stopped for a little while so that it could rain another 24! As bad as that sounds, we actually had a really great weekend. We were able to catch up on some things that I had been wanting to do around the house, like finishing Max's quilt, and just enjoyed hanging out together. Jared was able to make a measuring stick for the kids (something we kept meaning to do and never actually did!). He even carved an "N" on the top. It looks great! The kids actually enjoyed the time at home too and re-discovered some of their buried toys. Just check out our little Chopin!

Jared got his exercise giving lots and lots of airplane rides, bouncing kiddos on the big blue ball, and giving countless giraffe/ pony/ hippo rides. I'm sure Ruby will be thrilled in a few years that I posted this picture of her on the Internet, but I guess every kid has to live with a little bit of embarrassment from their parents!

We also got an interesting note in the mail. It seems that our car has been totalled. Now wouldn't it have been nice to tell us that BEFORE they decided to spend the last two weeks waiting on parts?! We're not sure if we have any options at all at this point, but almost would rather they didn't repair the car if possible. Since we got such a good price on the car we'd actually end up ahead if they paid us the value of the car and let us walk. Maybe we could upgrade or just have a few thousand dollars in the bank--both options sound nice! Of course that does mean car shopping and you know how much I LOVED that process.

Check in tomorrow for another yummy recipe from my kitchen to yours!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Somehow or another, this post got buried in my unfinished pile, from mid-August. Just so the memories aren't lost completely (as this blog is my memory!) I thought I better post it on up now...

Jared was able to go out to the Red Sox game with Anne, Ken, and the boys last week! It was his first Red Sox game and I think he really had a great time. I insisted that he bring the camera along, so I thought I'd put up a few pictures from the game.



The closest the kids and I have come to a Sox game a visit to Beantown, which is actually a massive furniture store complete with an animated Green Monster! As much as the kids enjoy Beantown, I think they'd absolutely love a trip to the ballpark some day. From the sounds of it we'll be saving up for some time before we go though. Why does everything have to be so expensive!?!


From what Jared said his evening at Fenway Park was fun and the game was pretty exciting with a last minute push for the Sox to win! Yeah Red Sox!

Thanks again to Anne and Ken for including Jared in your adventure!

So Silly

Apple Picking

We've made the rounds this year, picking strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and now apples. The kids have enjoyed every outing, but I think that this one was probably the most popular. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

Meatball Sandwiches

I had my first meatball sandwich back at Wheatberries in Moscow, Idaho and I was hooked.  Over the years I've tried lots of variations with baking the meatballs into the bread (kind of like a calzone), adding various veggies, and of course different meatball recipes.  This is my favorite recipe to date.  It's wicked easy and delish.

Meatball Sandwiches

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 c. bread crumbs

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. salt

2 T. parsley

1 tsp. oregano

pepper, to taste

1 large onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

Crusty sub rolls

Your favorite spaghetti sauce

mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix ground beef through pepper and form into balls.  Bake 30 minutes.  Raise oven temperature to 400F.
   
2. Allow meatballs to cool 10 minutes or so, then coat in 1/3 jar of sauce.
   
3. Meanwhile, saute onions and peppers in a little bit of olive oil.
   
4. Assemble sandwiches, stuffing the split rolls with meatballs, veggies, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.  Wrap tightly in foil and bake for 15 minutes at 400F to melt the cheese.
   
5. Enjoy!!

Friday Footsteps

It's been a wild and crazy couple of days filled to the brim with good times.  Today, though, I wanted to talk about what I get to do on Fridays this fall!  

About a week ago I got an email from someone at church urgently seeking another leader for their Friday Footsteps program.  Friday Footsteps, as it turns out, is NSCBC's outreach to elementary aged kids (K-5).  Jared and I talked it over and decided that we'd go for it.  He'd commit to being done with work a little early on Fridays to spend time with the kids, and I would commit to being a leader.  Way back when we lived in Idaho we were both AWANA leaders and absolutely loved it, so I'm excited I'll have a chance to interact with some kids on a weekly basis and hopefully develop a relationship with them.  

We'll be meeting each Friday evening for a couple of hours to play games, sing songs, make zany crafts, and hopefully grow closer to God along the way.  The curriculum, DiscipleLand, looks like it's chock full of great ideas to teach my NINETEEN (gasp!) second graders all about the fruit of the Spirit.  I'm a bit nervous about the size of the class, but I trust that God will just give me the right words to say and the opportunity to get to know each of the kids throughout the semester.

Pray for all of us that we'll be a blessing and be blessed in the process!

What's so funny!?!

I'm learning already that there are things about boys that are very different than girls!  Sure, there's the intense energy level 24/7, the overwhelming desire to explore everything electronic, and the general attraction to messiness.  But, there's something else too... the fascination with bodily functions.  

It's not as if these things didn't happen before Max came along (I mean, I still had Jared... just kidding honey!), but they were never so hilarious as they are now.  Max just can't get enough 'tooting', burping, and blowing 'zerberts'.  His favorite diaper changing activity?  No, it isn't singing songs and playing peek-a-boo, it's nearly giving himself a hernia trying to toot in my face and then laughing hysterically if he's successful!  

Another thing we've noticed is that now Ruby thinks all of this is a real hoot too!  Before if someone passed gas, you may hear, "Excuse me!"  or "Stinky!", but now, "Hahahaha!  Heeeheeehee!  Hooohoooo!  "Daddy" tooted!!".  

Oh, one more thing... if your 17 month old son regularly tears off toilet paper for you when you're using the bathroom and then tries his hardest to get in there to help you clean up, does that mean he's ready for potty training?  Or just been with you in the public restroom one time too many?  This is a purely hypothetical question of course! ;)

Lasagna Soup

Autumn is finally coming to Boston and I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for soup!  Here's a great one that will even please the guys in the family...

Lasagna Soup

1 lb bulk Italian sausage

2 c. onions, chopped

1 c. carrots, chopped

2 c. mushrooms, sliced

2 T. garlic, minced

4 c. chicken broth

1 (14.5oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes

1 (10.75oz) can tomato sauce

1 c. mafalda or campenelle pasta

2 c. fresh spinach, chopped

1 c. provolone or mozzarella, diced

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, shredded (for garnish)

4 tsp. basil, thinly sliced (for garnish)

1. Brown sausage in a large saucepan over MED-HI heat.  Add onions and carrots; saute 3 minutes.  Stir in mushrooms and garlic, and saute another 3 minutes.
   
2. Add broth, tomatoes, and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil.  Drop in pasta and simmer until cooked, about 10 minutes.  Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
   
3. Place 1/4 cup cheese into serving bowls and pour soup on top.  Garnish with Parmesan and basil.
   

Korny Kids

As summer winds down here in Massachusetts, there's at least one thing that we'll all be missing-- corn on the cob!  Both Ruby and Max are corn eating machines and can't get enough of it!  I'm pretty sure Max has eaten two WHOLE ears on his own at some meals... We're pretty sure he's going to be a big guy!  

Last Saturday we spent the day trolling for deals at garage sales and saw several football teams practicing.  When I saw all the dads glued to the fence I leaned over to Jared and said, "That's going to be you some day."  He replied with, "Aww, I was thinking I might be the one with the whistle around my neck!".  I must admit, I laughed.  Somehow the thought of my beanpole husband with bad knees who's never played competitive football tickled my funny bone.  I suppose stranger things have happened.

Speaking of strange... We finally got our Subaru back from the shop last Wednesday after about three weeks "repair time".  Then, yesterday morning on our way to church we got hit by another car on the highway!  So, our car is headed back to the shop to replace most of the driver's side this time.  Thankfully, no one was hurt--not even a bruise or a sore neck!  God is so good, but sometimes I just wonder if He isn't trying to tell us something here.  I'm just not sure what the message is.  Bring on the billboard, God, we still don't get it!  For now, I just know that I'm so thankful for my korny kids and kornier hubby!  

Positive Changes

2008 hasn't exactly been a piece of cake for our family--we've made a major move (from Denmark to Boston), lost a parent (my Dad), had copious amounts of car trouble, and have had the constant reminder that we are most likely only here in Boston short term.  I kind of let it all get to me and considered having a major breakdown about it.  In the end, I decided that I needed to make some changes in my life before voluntarily committing myself to a mental institution.  (I'm kidding about the last part, but I really DID want an extended vacation.)

So, the first change that I made about a month and a half ago was to get serious about my relationship with God.  Now, some of you are saying, "Duh!" right now... and others are probably saying, "Huh?", but let me explain.  I believe that the only way that I'm truly going to be content and at peace in life is if I'm doing what God wants me to be doing, but I was having a hard time ever taking time to listen to His opinion on what I ought to be doing.  I just kind of kept muddling through.  Since that wasn't really working out all that well for me, I decided that I needed to dig into the Word.

After reading about the SOAP method over at Mom's Toolbox, I decided that it was time to start.  I was going to journal my journey.  So far, it's been great.  There are very few days that I don't feel like doing my Quiet Time.  I long for the rest with my Savior.  There are no concerns or worries during this time, it's just me and Him.  I know that He's using our time and I know that he's changing me, little by little.  I trust that if I hold up my end of the bargain, He will continue His amazing faithfulness to me.  It's time.  My family deserves better than they've been getting and so does He.

My second big leap has been no easier to tackle than the first, I've decided that I've GOT to get in better shape.  After walking or biking everywhere for two and a half years, just suddenly stopping has taken a toll.  Let's just say I don't really need a belt to hold up my pants any more.  And these are pants that I could wear the week after Max was born last year!  Not good.  So, we've joined the YMCA.  No more hitting the snooze button for me, at 6:15am, I pop out of bed (well, maybe pop is a bit too optimistic!), and head to the gym.  It's been TOUGH!  I'm forcing myself to work hard, not just go through the motions, so I'm coming home sore and whipped most days, but I think it really is giving more energy and hopefully eventually it will also help trim the old waistline.  

Finally, I'm scheduling even more.  I'm setting realistic goals for each day and doing my best to hit them.  The house is now mostly clean most of the time and I always know what we're having for dinner.  The down side of all this is that I don't have the same time that I did for reading, sewing, and blogging.  So, forgive me if there isn't a post each day and just know that the kids are adorable and we're all growing.  God is good.

Goldy's Dream Cake

This is one of my favorite recipes and is ALWAYS a hit at anything I bring it to. And really, you do need to bring this somewhere or you will gain 450 pounds eating it all yourself... trust me on this. I generally serve this as a coffeecake/breakfasty food, but would also be a wonderful dessert.

Goldy's Dream Cake
(from Catering to Nobody, a grrreat series!)

Crumb Mixture
4 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. butter, cut up

Cake
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
6 c. crumb mix
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. sour cream
2 tsp. almond extract

Filling
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1c. raspberry preserves

Topping
2/3 c. raw almonds
2 c. crumb mixture

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 2 9"/10" spring form pans.
2. Mix flour and sugar. Cut in butter pieces to make 6 cups crumb mix.
3. Blend eggs, sour cream, and almond extract. Stir into flour/crumb mix until smooth and thick. Spread over sides and bottom of prepared pans.
4. To make filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Spread half over each pan filled with cake batter. Top cream cheese with 1/2 cup (or more) of preserves.
5. To make topping, chop almonds and mix them with 2 cups reserved crumb mixture. Sprinkle over preserves, half on each cake.
6. Bake cakes for 45-55 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness (though this is tough with the filling!).
7. Cool cakes on racks, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Max Attack

Ruby and I took Max to a local salon for a clip and curl (minus the curl) last Friday. I had originally told the stylist that I really wanted to keep some of the curls, but then I kept saying, well, maybe just a little bit shorter... I think we better take a little more off here... yes, I definitely want it short over the ears... You get the picture. Before long, I was no longer holding a baby on my lap, but this handsome gent!

It sure is hard to let go of all the baby stuff-- curls, cuddles, rocking together. But, then again there's always joy in the new stages. Max loves to sing ALL THE TIME. His favorite songs are "This Old Man" and "ABCs". He loves to wrestle, play chasing games, dig through Ruby's drawers and pull out all her toys. He can't get enough of his ball popper or his semi-truck. He's truly a joy to everyone he meets!

I had to include this picture of Jared and Max together. I was a bit surprised to find that Max had ended up with a haircut pretty similar to Daddy's! Both of them are wavy on top and just too cute! I sure am thankful for my two best guys!

Feeling Hungry Friday!

Here are a few fun quizzes to launch you into the weekend. We've got rain predicted here... Thanks Tropical Storm Hannah! Maybe we'll manage to get down to business shopping for new beds for the kids. And I've got a couple of sewing projects I sure would like to tackle!! Maybe rainy days aren't so bad after all...especially when Daddy's around to wrestle with the kids!

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you. But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft. You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily. You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

What Donut Are You?

You Are a Ham Sandwich

You are quiet, understated, and a great comfort to all of your friends. Over time, you have proven yourself as loyal and steadfast. And you are by no means boring. You do well in any situation - from fancy to laid back. Your best friend: The Turkey Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Opinions anyone?

I don't know if anyone ever looks at my Shelfari Shelf (on the sidebar), but if you do, you might have noticed this book, The Shack by William Young. I started reading it a few weeks ago and was bawling my eyes out from about page 2. The thought of losing one of my kids in some violent way (or any way at all) really challenged my thinking. How would I react to something like this. Would I blame God or lean on Him?

The Shack challenged a lot of gut feelings I've had about God. Am I going to keep God on His throne (where He rightly belongs) or allow Him to become intimately close to me (where He also rightly belongs!). I totally resonated with Mac's statement that he always thought the whole pearly gates, golden roads thing sounded a bit boring compared to the beauty here. God just did such an amazing job creating this universe that I can't imagine anything better. The explanations and descriptions given in this book, while not fact, gave me a different insight at what heaven might be like... totally amazing, never a let down, and most importantly a place where I'll be with Jesus. He'll always have the time for me personally that I need. While I know in my head that this is true now, it is harder to hear His voice and feel His touch here.

As much as I appreciated some aspects of the book, there were others that I totally disagreed with. As much as I believe that God loves and welcomes everyone on earth to come to Him, I do believe that it's explicitly clear in the Word that the only way to heaven is through Jesus (John 14:6). There are not many roads leading to God, only one.

This book has caused a lot of stir, all of which I was totally oblivious of until after I started reading the book. If you've read it, what did you think? If you haven't, what have you heard?

Our Goal...

Our goal for our weekend getaway was to make everyone think that we were on our honeymoon. I don't know what it is about newlyweds (excessive PDA probably!), but everyone just knows that you are on your honeymoon. I remember when we were on our honeymoon, it seemed like every other person was offering to take our picture. Alas, we weren't exactly able to recreate that, but we did make some great memories!

After a relaxing evening at the Providence Biltmore, we headed down towards Newport, stopping on the way for some miniature golf. They had this gas powered volcano that went off once an hour--it really caught us off guard the first time, but an hour later we were ready to snap a photo!

Here's Jared goofing around inside the volcano. He spent the time waiting for folks ahead of us by making crazy putts.

I had a chance to relax and look at a magazine while Jared enjoyed the driving range.

Jared and I on the Adirondack II. It was a really fun cruise and we were able to see a lot of Narragansett Bay.

Apparently I was enthralled with the crew raising the sails! I was glad we were just along for the ride--sailing is hard work!

Here's Chevy Chase's little dingy. Actually, it's enormous. The boat towards the back is your average speed boat, for scale. We both wondered how often he actually takes the boat out...

Clingstone, the House on the Rocks near the mouth of Narragansett Bay was built in 1902-1905 by Lovering Wharton, whose family summer home had been condemned in order to build Fort Wetherill. Three and a half stories tall and built for rough weather, Clingstone was damaged badly by a hurricane in 1938 and sat wrecked and forlorn for decades. In 1961 architect Henry Wood and his first wife, Joan bought the place as a renovation project for $3600. The place was a mess. All 65 windows were smashed and the roof was torn open. The house was far more than the couple could handle alone and friends, collegues and new aquaintances were recruited to help. Today you can rent the house for a huge fee. To learn lots more about this house and its history, check out this New York Times story.

There were many America's Cup 12m boats out for a sail. Apparently you can pay a heap of money to work your bum off sailing one of these beauties. Jared was wishing we could have done that, but I was just happy to take in the sights!

Castle Hill was built by marine biologist, Alexander Agassiz, in 1874 as a summerhouse. Today it is an inn, busy hosting weddings and other fabulous functions. To learn more about the inn and its history, click here.

This structure, designed by the young Jackie Kennedy, is part of Hammersmith Farm, her family's summer home on the bay. Jackie designed the building as a gift to her mother to use as an art studio. In the end, the top floor was used as a studio and the remainder of the house was used as a giant playhouse for Jackie! I think her playhouse is quite a bit bigger than our whole apartment!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of the sights with us. Anytime you feel like visiting, Newport is just over an hour away!

Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

This meal is a guaranteed quiet one. In a house with two toddlers, this is a rarity! The only commentary I receive is, "Mommy, this is delicious! Can I have some more!" Music to my ears. I generally pair this with some kind of green salad and some cut fruit. Hope you have the same success that I've had!

Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

Fish Fry:

vegetable oil

3 c. shredded wheat, crushed

1 c. flour

1 packet Ranch dressing mix

1/8 tsp salt

1 lb. halibut, cut into 1"x3" strips

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Chips:

1 lb. frozen fries

seasoned salt

Tartar Sauce:

1/4 c. sweet relish, strained

1 tsp. yellow mustard

1 c. mayonnaise

1/2 lemon, juiced

salt

pepper

1. Mix all sauce ingredients and refrigerate until serving.
2. Heat oil to 350F.
3. Put crushed cereal in a gallon zip-loc bag.
4. Mix flour, Ranch mix, and salt in a shallow bowl.
5. Coat fish with flour mixture, then egg, then cereal.
6. Cook until golden, approximately 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, prepare frozen fries according to directions on package.

Serve and enjoy your peaceful dinner!

One Fantabulous Day

It's time I was getting dinner made, but I just HAD to share some pictures from our day at the beach. It was the perfect Labor Day retreat and we just had an awesome time...

Here's the location: Revere Beach! Revere Beach is the nation's first public beach, established in 1896. Around the turn of the century, the boardwalk was lined with shops and even a fairly large amusement park called, Wonderland. Today, Wonderland is a racetrack and there are many shops, but the beach is still miles long, clean, and beautiful.

Ruby, Max, and Jared spent hours building sandcastles. They made some "mud" and kept piling and piling it up. Then we decorated it with shells, bones, and seaweed. We even added a few live mussels and snails. Ruby had mercy on them though and threw them out to sea!

Another view of the castle while their building it. Ruby was ferrying buckets of water to fill a pit where Jared would mix up the "mud".

Guess who LOVED the sand this time!?! He was totally coated in sand from the time we got there and probably ate a fair amount too. It sure was fun having him enjoy it this time!

Ruby always loves the beach and today was no exception. She just didn't want to take time out for Mommy to snap a picture, so we got an action shot.

Mommy and Max hanging out under the umbrella.

Jared and Ruby had a great time swimming.

The castle decorated with Jared and Ruby in the distance.

Ruby riding the whale... I mean Daddy!

This was the first time we thought to bring our big umbrella and it made ALL the difference. We were able to enjoy the beach for almost four hours--definitely a record breaker for us.

Hope you all have enjoyed your day as much as we have! Tune in tomorrow for Tasty Tuesday...