Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

I love that this recipe does not need sugar!  Also, it fits in the pie crust perfectly so I do not have a bunch of filling left over.  PLUS, it tastes great, the kids approve too.

Ingredients

• 1 15oz can of canned pumpkin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
• 1 pie crust
• Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the pumpkin. Add the sweetened condensed milk and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.
Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount of whipped cream. 

Christmas

We've started getting ready for Christmas.  Setting up the tree, cooking, and the best part!  Christmas music!  Here's a song for today.

Recipe: Sweet Cream Pie

Here is one of my favorite pie recipes, we are enjoying today.  

Pastry for 9-inch one crust pie 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Nutmeg

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare pie pastry.

Place flour and sugar in bowl.  Add 1 c. cream and mix well.  Slowly mix the dry and liquid ingredients (the prevent the cream from whipping). Add rest of cream, vanilla extract and continue stirring. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Pour into crust.

Bake 10 minutes; reduce heat to 325 degrees F. and continue baking for approximately 45 to 55 minutes. Center will appear soft, but pie will set up as it cools. Do not over bake. Remove from oven.

Making Pies

I spent the afternoon making pies for the FEAST tomorrow.  There is something so special about taking the time to make a special meal for your family.  It connects you, not only to the food, and to your family, but also to your memories of the people who taught you this particular dish.

And SMELL, oh man, smell has an amazing power to bring back the memories and feelings of the past.  The smell of apple pie baking reminds me of my dad and the way he would love to make them for us.

But, cooking is also an act of love, and I look forward to seeing everyone digging in and enjoying the food tomorrow.

What did you make today?  What memories do food bring to you?

Song of the Day

This was a great performance.


 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming up fast! If you weren't having turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pie, what would you eat?

 If you could break tradition and just eat something you love, what would it be? I think honestly, I'd have some homemade pizza, or maybe enchiladas, or even a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

 But, since we're keeping with tradition, I'm looking for a recipe for a delicious side dish.

 Maybe this one for asparagus... http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Almond-Asparagus

 Or maybe I should have broccoli cheese casserole...  What are you having this Holiday?


 Gerald Van Dielen can be found on Google+ and Twitter.

Comfort Food - Chili Mac

One of my families favorite recipes is Chili Mac.  This recipe is sooo easy to do.

Ingredients:
Chili flavoring powder packet
Turkey Sausage
Rotel Tomatos
Shredded Cheese
Macaroni



Directions:
Brown the sausage.  Add Rotel Tomatoes and chili flavoring and simmer about 10 minutes.  Cook the macaroni.

Assemble the ingredients and ENJOY!

Gerald Van Dielen can be found on Google+ and Twitter.

Food

One of the best comfort foods... Bacon!  Today my son and I had bacon and eggs for dinner.  Such a simple  and delicious meal.  :)

I saw a picture recently of bacon roses.  This is the coolest idea ever....



http://www.bitrebels.com/design/how-to-make-a-bouquet-of-bacon-roses/
Gerald Van Dielen can be found on Google+ and Twitter.