No. 44 - Pumpkin Pie

I had the most wonderful, busy weekend with my husband, daughter, son and our future daughter-in law. We shopped for a wedding dress, went on an engagement photo shoot (I got to hold the flash, tripod and reflectors), we carved pumpkins, made a GIANT pot of chili (recipe on Wednesday), and I made a pumpkin pie! The only thing I didn’t get done was my Monday morning pie post ... and some laundry ... and the bills, oh shoot – I didn’t much done at all but that’s OK! We had a lovely time making a big mess. So sorry to be late – but here you go!

Everything you'll ever need ...

Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie

That's a pretty loaded title!  I'm changing it up a bit today and thought I'd do a post for my young bakers about "everything you will ever need to make homemade pie crust."  Pie crusts are an ancient concept.  Historians have dated pie crust as far back as 9500 BC.  The first crust was used as a bowl or vessel to hold food.  They were often inedible which doesn't sound very appealing to me.  Perhaps you're afraid your crust won't be better than those created by the Egyptians during the Neolithic Period.  Worry not!  We have a plan.

Maple-Oatmeal Scones

Brew the coffee and pull up a chair!  These are way up there on the yummy chart!  Are you looking for something easy and special for a nice weekend treat?  Scones just may be the perfect choice.  Sometimes on the cool fall mornings a hot cup of coffee and a slightly sweet scone really hits home.

No. 43 - Tiramisu Pie

I have always wanted to try Tiramisu but never have ordered it in a restaurant.  When I saw this recipe in Michele Stuart's Perfect Pies cookbook I thought this was my chance to try the famous Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, coffee, mascarpone cheese, eggs and sugar.  It appears that the crust is the only real difference between traditional Tiramisu and Tiramisu Pie. 

Zucchini Cupcakes

Happy Birthday Patrick!  My oldest is 25 years old today.  The years are just flying by!  Did you know young adults don't have a fully formed brain until they reach 25?  I'm sure it's not a magical aha moment - hey I'm 25 and my brain is done growing.  But 25 is a time in your life that you start to realize you're no longer the teenager, or the little kid.  You're an adult well on your way to figuring it all out.

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling - Redux

OK you're right.  I posted this recipe almost a year ago!  But I've been working soooo hard on a "special project" (not food related) and haven't been able to get in the kitchen.  This recipe is worth revisiting because it's so easy and makes a pretty presentation.  People won't believe you did it yourself!

No. 42 - S'Mores Delight Pie

I bought a new cookbook titled Perfect Pies by Michele Stuart.  Michele is without a doubt, America's Pie-Baking Champion.  I was thrilled to choose a couple of pies to make and the first one on my list was the S'Mores Delight Pie.  We just bought a camper last weekend and I'm in the mood for fall camping with a camp fire, cool evenings and s'mores!  I didn't even give it a second thought when I read the recipe is defined as "challenging."  I've made hundreds of pies in my life, this doesn't scare me!  Little did I know that challenging, really means challenging :)  I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying I would make some changes.  I'll post the recipe as written but add my suggestions at the end of this post.  Be brave - don't let me scare you!

Healthy Homemade Granola

 

Naturally sweet honey, nuts, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oatmeal!  Oh my!  This granola rocks.  You know what I'm eating this weekend on my fruit, with almond milk, and on Greek yogurt, pancakes - whatever!  Mix, bake and eat.  Repeat :) 

Spaghetti Squash Medley

This was the first time I substituted Spaghetti Squash for pasta and it won't be the last!  Wow.  Why didn't I do this before?  I know ... Sarah tried to tell me and tempted me with her lovely squash recipes.  I ran across other recipes from time to time and thought they sounded interesting.  But until I ran into a bin of beautiful Spaghetti Squash at the grocery store, I had never put one in my cart.  Now they'll be in our garden line-up next spring!

No. 41 Chocolate Chess Pie & Giveaway WINNER!

I'm running a little late today so I'll get down to business.    Using www.random.org to select the number, the winner of the beautiful bamboo bowl is commenter No. 2 - Tanna @ The Brick Street Bungalow!  Congratulations Tanna ~ please send an email to savingdessert@aol.com with your address and I'll put your new bowl in the mail.  Thanks to everyone who commented!  Liz - thanks for the beautiful heartfelt memory.  It was a pleasure knowing your mother and her sisters.

1st Blog-a-versary & Giveaway! (WINNER ANNOUNCED - Contest Closed)

Grilled corn, roasted pepper & black bean salsa 

One year ago today I finally got up the nerve to post on Saving Room for Dessert.  It had taken me an entire month to hit the PUBLISH button.  My wonderful, supportive, patient, traveling husband has read each and every one of the 204 posts since that first day.  He offers suggestions, is a terrific editor and has taught me every single thing I know about photography.  He has the patience of Job and hardly ever makes me cry - kidding!  I love you traveling husband - thanks so much for all your help and support.

As with birthdays, holidays and anniversaries, I tend to think about the past year and pick out all the good things to remember going forward.  Even though each and every post holds a special memory I decided to pick a few favorites and pass them along to you. 

We LOVED this grilled corn salsa.  We were shocked at the terrific, bold flavor and ate the entire recipe in one day.  I can't wait for the right occasion to make it again.  Delicious!!!!

Homemade Soft Pretzels

My daughter Allie and I love soft pretzels.  Not just any "old mall pretzel."  We love the ones you can buy from the yellow food truck behind the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C.  Every time we head into DC we make a point of getting our pretzel fix.  If you've come to visit and did the tourist thing, you know I made you get one!  And I know you liked it ;)

Since I don't want to fight the horrendous traffic and drive 50 miles (one way) for a pretzel, Allie and I decided to try making our own!

No. 40 - Blueberry Goat Cheese Pie

Have you ever watched Triple D on the Food Network?  Triple D is short for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  My husband and I are both happy to watch it every chance we get.  One evening my husband mentioned a pie that was featured from a restaurant in Indianapolis.  He described it to me and at first I didn't think much of it.  Then I saw the episode and decided we had to try this pie.  Blueberries and goat cheese?  Why not, people bake pies all the time with cream cheese and as you may have noticed, I am a goat cheese fanatic.  The other unusual ingredient is basil.  Blueberries, goat cheese and basil?  Really?  You betcha!