Pie crust that was running out of time!

First I want to make a confession... I am a total failure at making pie crust.  I make amazing pie fillings but totally bomb the crusty part. To insure that my pies will taste perfect I buy already made pie crust. I shall now hang my head in shame and say a couple Hail Mary's and Our Fathers for this sin against my kitchen. 

During the holidays I bought pre made crust to make pies. I did not use it all. So I had to use it NOW or it would parish. So if you have no pie fillings what can you do with pie crust? I posted on Facebook in hopes that one of my mommy friends would shed some light on my pie dilemma, and one did. My amazing friend Jillian (who is the owner of   http://statelesssweets.com/ , you should totally check it out!)  had mentioned baklava. Brilliant!!! 

First I buttered a cookie sheet. Then I rolled out my crust (be sure to floor your rolling surface and rolling pin, that thin dough sticks easy!). I put my first layer on my sheet and buttered it and did that 3 more times. 

Ok so its not pretty... leave me alone!

After 4 layers of dough I then wanted to add my yummy middle... so I chopped up some peanuts and put them in a bowl with about 4 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. After mixing it all up I added it to my crust. 

I then added 2 more layers of crust on top... both buttered.... and then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. 

I baked my crazy little concoction until it was flaky and golden

 ( 30 mins on 350 but your oven may be different)

In hindsight I would have put sugar and cinnamon on each layer. I felt it was lacking that constant flavor through out the dessert. I also would have put more layers on top had I had more pie crust. Carlos loves them and the kids do not think they are that bad either. 

So the next time you have something that is ready to expire, make it something new do not waste it!

Good Night Kitchen

There are nights when I leave the sink full, the floor unswept, things laying about but I try really hard to say good night to my kitchen by cleaning it before bed. Right now I am so tired., my legs are heavy, but I am going to bed with a smile on my face. I love my home and I can rest well knowing when I wake up it will greet me with a nice clean smile! 

 

They day in the life of a Raw Almond

I purchased a pound of raw almonds. All my friends keep telling me raw are the best and to soak them before eating. So that is what I did... last night I soaked my almonds and this morning a friend posted a recipe for almond milk. I decided I would dry some and make milk with the rest.

These are my nuts for drying. 

Blend a cup of soaked raw almonds and 4 cups of water in your blender.

Use a cheese cloth to strain your milk .

 

You will end up with this wonderful paste!

I used a spoon to help push through the milk and then skim the paste off the top. 

And here is your final product ! 

Later today I am going to make some cookies with my almond paste :)

Oh spring where art thou

As I gaze out my office window I see a white blanket cover the woods and pond. My grass is hidden under the white powder just waiting for the thaw.  I received a seed catalog in the mail not to long ago and it put a smile on my face. A smile so big it would have made the Cheshire Cat envious. I am going to start selecting my seeds and planning my garden. I must make sure I have a schedule for seeding and planting. I am also going to stock up on cans and lids. This will be a most productive summer! I will be keeping my eye out for a  used dehydrator, which I have never done before.  Oh the sauces, the jams, the salsas I will grow!

I am also excited for spring to watch my woods come alive. I cannot wait to hear the frogs at the pond again. Hubby also plan on stocking the pond for the kids. They are going to have the best time out there! This place is like a giant park, with fishing, 4 wheeling, camping, tree climbing, and its my home!

Oh spring hurry get here fast!!!!!