November 2008

New Favorite Apple Pie Recipe

Dessert

Overheard during The Dessert Phase of Thanksgiving dinner: “Mmmmm.” “I thought your favorite pie was cherry pie!” “Not since I tried this apple pie!” Guess that recipe needs to make it onto the ol’ blog, then: Little House Apple Pie 1 recipe 2-crust pie crust, unbaked6 1/2 cups thinly sliced, peeled tart baking apples such [...]

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Perfect Pie Crust Step By Step

Recipes

This is my go-to pie crust. After years of “cutting in” shortening and/or butter (“consistency of cornmeal”, WHAT?), sprinkling in ice water, even vinegar and eggs, I tried this recipe and never went back. Why? It’s easier and faster. It uses canola oil–healthier when you eat the amount of pie I sling around here. It [...]

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“Lightly Spooned” Flour v. Scooped Flour

Recipes

A lot of holiday baking is in full swing, so I thought I’d share the results of a little experiment I’ve been intending to try for some time. This isn’t exactly a life and death issue, but it’s something I wonder about whenever I haul out the flour. It’s tedious, so is taking the time [...]

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Body and Bath Basics: Skin Ointment/Liniment

Body Care Products

Here’s another homemade skin care standard to go along with our lotion bars, sugar scrub, and lip balm, this time a recipe for a general purpose ointment. It is made of shea butter, avocado oil, beeswax, calendula and rooibos extracts and aloe vera, all of which are known for their soothing, protecting, and healing properties. [...]

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Hugs and Kisses Knitted Washcloth Pattern

Crafts

I can’t stop knitting these. I think it is the sweatery-ness of the cables and ribbing. The chunkiness. The x’s and o’s. All that. Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream, colors shown in the photos are Natural and Hot GreenNeedles: US Size 6 circular or straights; cable needle As you begin your pattern stitches, begin and [...]

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