I received several readers questions this week so I want to use this post to address some of them.
1. Cider - I was asked if I have a recipe for spiced cider. Hot Spiced Cider is a great way to celebrate colder weather. I have used many different ways to do this. The most successful was to use a spice ball and put the mulling spices in that and then place it in the cider as it is heating. You can do the same with wine too. For the spices I use the William Sonoma Mulling spices blend because it has all the spices I like. However you can use whole cloves, cinnamon sticks ( do not use the ground spice it will cloud the cider) as your base and then add the spices you like such as anise, orange or lemon peel etc. Take the spices out before serving.
2. Pie Crust - if you must make your own crust remember two things. 1- cold shortening and cold water and 2 - don't over work the dough. I use puff pastry dough and/or frozen shells. Buy the best quality not the store brands and you will do fine.
Thanks for the questions! More later in the week
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE HOLLIDAYS
It is not too early to plan ahead for the upcoming holiday season. We all know how hectic the last two months can be. So the question is how can get ahead now? Here are some tips that may work for you.
1. Shopping for food. If you see an item that you know you will need that is on sale get an extra amount. For example things like celery or onions can be chopped in your food processor and then frozen in freezer bags for up to two months. Often just before the holiday frozen foods go on sale. That is the time to buy puff pastry or pie shells to be used later. Just look around and you will find some things you need later that will be more expensive then.
2. If you want to make some gifts to give, check your recipe now. What do you have on hand? What will you need? Do you have the pans or other items needed? Disposable aluminum pans often go in short supply around the holidays.
3. MAKE A PLAN - PLAN A MENU NOW. If you have family and friends coming over plan your menu now and make sure that no one has any allergies or that you have alternatives. If you wait until latter the choices are limited. Making a plan now gives you more time with family and takes a lot of stress out of the holiday season.
4. Relax and take a deep breath. It will be fine and you will have everything under control.If not so what? You did all you could and the rest is up to the Universe!! The important thing is to enjoy your holidays. Preparing ahead will help you minimize the stress and enjoy more of the season.
1. Shopping for food. If you see an item that you know you will need that is on sale get an extra amount. For example things like celery or onions can be chopped in your food processor and then frozen in freezer bags for up to two months. Often just before the holiday frozen foods go on sale. That is the time to buy puff pastry or pie shells to be used later. Just look around and you will find some things you need later that will be more expensive then.
2. If you want to make some gifts to give, check your recipe now. What do you have on hand? What will you need? Do you have the pans or other items needed? Disposable aluminum pans often go in short supply around the holidays.
3. MAKE A PLAN - PLAN A MENU NOW. If you have family and friends coming over plan your menu now and make sure that no one has any allergies or that you have alternatives. If you wait until latter the choices are limited. Making a plan now gives you more time with family and takes a lot of stress out of the holiday season.
4. Relax and take a deep breath. It will be fine and you will have everything under control.If not so what? You did all you could and the rest is up to the Universe!! The important thing is to enjoy your holidays. Preparing ahead will help you minimize the stress and enjoy more of the season.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Julian CA
If you have the opportunity to visit Julina CA do it. We went there on a recent trip to San Diego. It is a charming town and has some great food. I recommend the Julian Pie Company. Mom's Pies is also a good choice, but I think they are a bit over rated. I also was able to pick up Apple Butter, and other jellies and jams at the Cider Mill. They also carry a large assortment of sugar fee products. Go to go I think my slice of apple pie is heated and ready for the ice cream! YUM!
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