pie oh my!

I have long wanted to learn to bake pies. It all started with my ex-mother-in-law, Alice, who used to make the most beautiful and delicious pies. Every holiday she would bring her pies to family dinners and it was my dream to someday make beautiful pies too! My first attempt last week was a strawberry rhubarb and though it tasted great, it was the ugliest pie on the planet. I, not to to be daunted by one ugly pie, went out and bought two lovely pie plates for inspiration and tried again. The second attempt was more successful. I made another strawberry rhubarb and a blueberry as well. I have much to learn about pie-making. Two fairly good efforts do not a pie baker make. My daughter was home for a visit and we were going to make pies together but she fell ill. "Mom you never made pies, " she exclaimed on the phone when I told her of my plan a few days before she arrived. We had planned to make pies together, but the poor girl was so sick when she was home she could not help me make pies nor could she eat pie. Maybe next time.

I took my pies to a family event at my sister's house and I felt like the family's new Grandma Alice. Everyone appreciated my efforts. I cheated and used Pillsbury ready-made crust, but nobody seemed to notice. (Grandma Alice told me years ago she thought it worked out just as well as homemade. And she would know!) Next time I am going to try making my own crust, rather than using the pre-made. Cooks Magazine advocates what they call a fail proof crust recipe which includes vodka. Now that's my kind of crust!

My next pie making goal is to attempt a lattice crust. I have been watching web videos to learn the technique. I wish I had taken the time to learn pie making from Grandma Alice. I always used the excuse I was just too busy to make pies. I know she could have taught me some little tricks that are always key when you are learning something new. Pie making I think for me could be a very satisfying and creative venture. Who can resist a piece of beautiful homemade pie? Well, Harry for one, if the pie is pumpkin. He claims you have to be born in America to eat pumpkin pie. I have several pie favorites I plan to attempt. This week I am going to try a peach pie with a lattice crust. If it turns out I'll take a picture. If it looks ugly, I won't.