Oh the weather
Throngs of people will tell you that life in Colorado is just grand thanks to the 300+ days of glorious sunshine. I’ll let you in on a little secret: those sunny days can really grind on a person. They come with a burden of responsibility to get out there, get the kids outside, go ride a bike or climb a mountain or some such nonsense. Frankly, it’s exhausting. Ok so maybe it is just what the doctor ordered; but sometimes fresh air is overrated.
Last weekend came roaring in like an angry wet lion. Chilly and soggy and not a reason in the world to pull off pajamas or venture outside (well, except Dave, who braved the weather to save the last of the tomatoes.
We read that pulling in the whole vine and wrapping the bunch in newspapers is the answer to an early frost. They did in fact ripen nicely, within about a week.)
Oh yes, and Dave heroically ventured back out into the yard for wood, making the the girls enormously happy as they settled in before the first fire of the season.
I too eventually shed my pajamas to join neighbor Kristin and her daughter for pie-crust-making 101. (Full disclosure: that beautiful pie I boasted of was made of home grown apples…and Pillsbury crust. I know, I know, shame shame on me. I’m a stinky cheater. Lucky for us all Kristin was on a crusade to change that.)
Kristin’s claim? Not only is homemade crust infinitely tastier, but contrary to popular opinion it is not something to be feared. I had my doubts, but in the interest of research and dessert I crossed the street with a bag of apples, a pie dish and an open mind.
Once we got the apples peeled and ready to go, Kristin and daughter Rachel showed us the ropes, following Grandma’s (not so anymore) secret recipe. Kira joined us, delivering the lemon for the filling so I could follow my favorite apple pie recipe for the filling, passed down to me from my late cousin, Valerie, a woman who knew her way around a pie. And Kira stayed, putting her muscle to work rolling and patting and well, you know the drill.
So? Was it worth it? All the rolling and the kneading and the flour in our hair?
Resoundingly, yes. We enjoyed a morning that was wonderful, warm and neighborly. And later on, we enjoyed our pie, our flaky, melt-in-your-mouth, fresh-from-the-tree, hot apple pie. With home-made crust, and of course, ice cream on the side.
9 Replies to “Oh the weather”
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What a beautiful pie! You did not convince me to make my own pie crust. It is just too easy for me to buy it. Your pie is really beautiful!
I cannot believe how behind I was in reading your stories! Every one of the last 4 stories were great. I love all the humor, you continue to make me laugh out loud! You really are a mother earth, too. Your going to have to move to a farm soon. I’d love to see pictures of you working the field!
First frost? Fire? Is it winter out there already?
Wow! I’ll try the crust for our Turkey day bake-off! Watch out siblings, I’ve got an ace up the sleeve with some recipe adjustments to Valerie’s famous pie…
Daph – thanks for thanks for the tip on the tomatoes. We’re getting a freeze tonight! I’ll start hacking off limbs. We’ve got about 8 tomatoes left on the vine!
That pie looks sooooo yummy! I wish I could have a lesson myself. I was making turkey pot pie after thanksgiving last year, and my husband said something like, “Aren’t you going to make the pie crust too? It’s just some flour and water right?” Sure honey! Yeah, he was serious.
Homemade pie crust sounds terribly decadent. I love it. Well done, Betty.
Where do I put my Thanksgiving order in?
The pie looks great! I love the sunshine! A magical day to you!
Great post, Daph! I have to admit to you that I usually make my own pie crust (back in the days that I had time to bake). I guess I should have offered to show you how to make a pie crust in exchange for you teaching me to shimmy. . .