Pie Crust

   Like I had last year, I again asked my sister if it would be okay if I signed up to bring all of the desserts for my side of the families Christmas get-together. Last year, I did the cakes. This year, I did pies. Five different types. Blueberry, Toll house, Pecan, Pumpkin and Butterscotch. Here is a picture of them set out on my sister's dining room table.

    If you count the pieces the pies are cut into, you'll see it's not the 'normal' eight (8) piece cut. Some were cut into nine (9) pieces, others into ten (10) pieces. Why? Because I knew some people wouldn't want a whole piece of one thing, they wanted small pieces of a couple different pies. (<-- BONUS TIP there ;->)

    Above, when I listed the types of pies I'd made, I'd actually listed the types of fillings I'd put in the crusts. We all know, that for a pie to really be labeled "GOOD!", it has to have a light, flaky, good tasting crust. And we've all had our experiences eating ones that don't fit that definition. The 'hard as shoe leather' type. Or the 'this just doesn't taste good' type. How disappointing biting into one of those turns out to be!
    Personally, I love my pie crust recipe. As does my husband and father-in-law. But I will admit that I have a couple of children who don't. Then again, they have yet to eat a flour based pie crust they like. But there are a couple of pie fillings they love. 'A-typical', eh?

    So to start this series on pies, I'm doing the recipe and instructions for making pie crusts first.

   Step #1 - gather together your ingredients - Flour, lard, salt and water (see the metal edging of the sink? ;-p).

     Yes, that is a huge bucket of lard. When I spotted it in the store, I had literally laughed right out loud. Why? A couple of years ago, when I had been unsuccessfully looking for the box's of lard (they are usually stocked in the meat department) in the store, I had ended up asking a worker where they had hid them. He had answered that they were no longer carrying it, due to trying to follow the "healthier foods trend".  I had replied that I preferred the "all things in moderation" style. We had continued to talk for a bit and he'd ended up confessing that he'd had at least twenty people asking for lard in the last couple of days, and yes, he did plan on letting the higher ups know about it! Then here it was a couple of years later and I spot this huge tub of it. WE WON! ;-p

   Step #2 - measure out your flour and then your salt and dump them in a bowl.

   Reminder here - if you are making pies with double crusts (aka: both a bottom and a top crust) such as blueberry or apple pies, then you need to double your pie crust recipe. And if your actually making two blueberry pies, then you need to four (4) times (x) your recipe, or you'll end up having to make additional dough, once you get all of the filling in. Yes, I speak from experience 8-/. 
    Use a pastry blender to blend them together. (Do you remember what other things pastry blenders work great for?)

   Step #3 - Measure and add the lard to the bowl.

     Step #4 - Use your pastry blender to mix the lard into the flour and salt, until it forms small crumbles (is that the proper terminology?)

   Step #5 - Add the water.

   Step #6 - Blend the water in, until the dough reaches the right consistency. I know that some of you are now asking, "how do you tell what that is?!" Been there. Had to figure that out.  Smoosh some of the dough between two of your fingers. It should feel soft and smooshable, but not wet. If it feels wet, you need to add more flour. If it feels real dry, you need to add more water. ONLY ADD SMALL AMOUNTS OF EITHER at a time! It is far easier to keep adding more, than to try and compensate for having added too much! (<-- BONUS TIP there).

  Blend with the pastry blender till it looks like this -

  Then switch to using your hands till it's all sticking together better, like this -

   WARNING here! - The end result of blending it too much with either, is usually what causes the 'tough as shoe leather' crusts. Work thourally, yet lightly.

   Step #7 - It's time to roll out your crust.
     Brent and Kayla had gifted this pastry sheet(?) to me the previous Christmas. I keep it rolled up in the drawer with the measuring cups, spoons and rolling pins, with a huge elastic band wrapped around it several times, then spread out over it's length as much as possible.

    But as you can see above, that results in it not laying flat when unrolled. The trick is to tightly roll it the opposite direction a couple of times, before laying it out on the counter. ;-)  (<-- BONUS TIP there)

   If you do not yet have such a sheet, don't fret. You CAN just use your clean counter top. I did for years.

    Spray your pastry sheet or counter with pan coating spray! It will make the final scrape down clean up oh so much easier!! (Do you remember what other things using pan coating spray on, makes easier / work great for?)

   Scoop some or all of your dough (depending on if and how you multiplied your recipe) out of the bowl.

    GENTLY form it into a ball and place it on your sheet or counter. Then knead it lightly a couple of times.

   Spray your rolling pin.

   Then sprinkle some flour onto your rolling pin.

    Place your rolling pin down on the middle of the ball of dough and rather firmly, roll it out, first one direction, then go back and do it the other direction. Then turn your rolling pin and repeat the process.
   Flip your dough over and roll the whole length, first top to bottom, then side to side.
   REMINDER - you do NOT want to over work your dough!!
   The size of your dough should now be large enough to fill a pie plate.

    Gently pick up the edge of the dough furthest away from you, and fold the dough in half towards you.

    Gently pick up one side of the folded in half piece of dough, and fold it in half sideways.

    Firmly, yet gently, pick the folded up dough at the folded corner.

     Lay it over one quarter (1/4) of your sprayed pie plate.

     Yes, you read that right. I said to first spray your pie plate. Doing so, guarantees ease when scooping out a piece of pie. ;-> (<-- BONUS TIP there)

     Unfold the pie crust over half of the pie plate.

    Finish unfolding it.

    Gently yet firmly, start at the middle of the crust and fit it down into the pie plate, keeping in mid that you do not want to overwork your crust!

     BONUS TIP here --> Make your crust larger than what you think your going to need it to be, to fill your pie plate. Pie crust shrinkage happens, when you've stretched your crust too tightly to fill the pie plate.

   If the above methodology does not work the first (or second, or third) time you try it, DO NOT GIVE UP! This is a prime example of practice making perfect!!! Man did I have some epic failures when I first set out, ever so determined to conquer pie crusts!!! I remember one classic failure in particular. If you had watched me putting the dough in to the pie pan, you would have thought I was trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle! (Who laughed?!?  8-/). Thankfully, the Lord intervened on my behalf and the final baked product came out perfectly. I'm still thanking Him for that one!
    This year at Christmas time, I baked ten (10) pies in one day. With two (2) of them being double crusted pies. And every single pie crust came out beautifully. Again, Thank-you Lord!
    Keep trying. You too WILL conquer them!

    IF you will not be adding a top crust after filling the base, fold the extra crust hanging over the edge of the pie plate under (or use a knife to cut it off if you have way too much) and using your pointer finger and thumb on one hand and your pointer finger of the other hand, form scoops/scallops(?) around the edge of your pie plate.

    HOWEVER, if you are adding a top crust, wait to do the edging till you have the top crust in place, then form it by squeezing the two layers of crust together.

   IF you need to bake your crust before adding the filling (such as you do for Butterscotch pie), then you need to take a fork and gently poke ventilation holes in the unbaked crust first. 

     However, if you are adding the filling to the crust prior to baking it, you do NOT need to add the ventilation holes.

   To per-bake a pie crust before adding the filling, bake at 375o for about 20 minutes.

   Additional BONUS TIP here --> If your making more than one pie, make all of your pie crusts first, being sure to respray both your counter (or baking sheet) and rolling pin in between rolling out the dough for each pie plate.

    And now for the actual recipe -
         Pie Dough
               by Cheryl B.
 
    for one single crust pie:
    1 1/3 cups Flour
    1/2 teaspoon Salt
    1/2 cup Lard
    3 to 4 Tablespoons Cold Water

     Combine flour and salt. With pastry blender mix in lard till coarse and crumbly. Add cold water and mix in thourally. Mix a bit more with your hands. Scoop out your dough, form it into a ball and place onto sprayed (and sometimes also floured) surface. Knead gently a couple of times. Form into flattened ball and roll out making sure to keep changing which direction your are rolling it. Go both directions, turn the dough over, and repeat.
    To put dough into pie plate - first fold dough in half, then half again. Lift into pie plate and unfold. If your going to need to bake the dough before adding the filling, prick dough with a fork.
    Use your fingers and thumb to make your crust edging.
  
   To per-bake a pie crust before adding the filling, bake at 375o for about 20 minutes.

~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;->
You might also enjoy these postings: 

~ Homemade Butterscotch Pudding / Pie

~ Homemade Chocolate Pudding
     (taste wonderful served as a pie!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:

  ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
   ~ "These Chicks Cooked Link Party", hosted by Katie L, at 'This Chick Cooks' (http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Full Plate Thursday('s)", are hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/). 
  ~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)     
  ~ "Sweets For A Saturday", hosted by Lisa, at 'Sweet As Sugar Cookies' (http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com)
  ~ "Simply Delish Sunday('s)", are hosted by KB and Whitesnakes, at 'KB and Whitesnakes Home' (http://kbandwhitesnakeshome.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Creative Monday's", are hosted by Clair Justine, at 'Clairejustineoxox' (http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.com/), and Judy, at 'Judy-H-JS Thoughts' (http://judyh-jsthoughts.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/). 
 ~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies / Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
 ~ "Totally Tasty Tuesdays", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace'  (http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/).

Directory of postings about Boo

    Seeings how I did the postings updating all of the other "directory" labels, I figured I should do this one too. ;->

       "Directory of postings about Boo - 2010 and 2011"

Jan. 21, 2010 - Another Boo story ~
               Some stuff about both Boo and Rascal
               Boo and the dog in the movie

Jan. 23, 2010 - Boo scores again
               Boo wanted to play!

Feb. 3, 2010 - From Wednesday
             The part after the * ~ ~ * ~ ~
             Another Boo and the TV remote tale

Feb. 16, 2010 - The world moves in circles
                I now have vertigo - certain actions of Boo that really affects it

June 14, 2010 - WELCOME home!!! ;-)
                I had been out of state

July 21, 2010 - The back yard project
              Boo oversaw our enclosing our backyard for him (and the grand children)

Nov. 30, 2010 - "I'm thankful For: "
               Our pets
               What my brother Craig says Boo is a huge case in point for

Dec. 10, 2010 - Boo's comical response
                to what he sniffed in the dirty clothes

March 13, 2011 - Introducing ...
              Daisy. Boo meeting his new little sister

April 5, 2011 - Cute doggie tales
             Boo and Daisy bonding
             Tale #1 - Boo alerting me to what Daisy was trying to do
             Tale #2 - What was Daisy barking at ?!?
             Tale #3 - Boo and Daisy and the rain
             Tale #4 -  Another Boo and Daisy and the rain 

May 4, 2011 - complimentary phone call
             Boo's response to Analyse on the phone

May 31, 2011 - Two - change that to three things to tell you about -
               the 2nd incident - words you can't use around Boo due to him knowing what they mean (;-p)  and about him and my vertigo

Aug. 30, 2011 - "Wedding Weekend" - Fri. night
               Mentioned how much Analyse likes Boo.
               Told the story about the bat in our house.

   (it only took him a few minutes to decide to try out our new couch when we got it ;-p)                   
    "I still love you Boo boy!"

~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;->
You might also enjoy this posting:

~  "Directory of postings about Boo - his arrival --> 2009" 
       includes a picture

"Directory" of the postings about "The Grandchildren" from the year 2011

Jan. 3, 2011 - Christmas 2010 with Analyse
             includes pictures

Jan. 27, 2011 - Phone conversations ... ;-p
               Analyse tried to get Gaa..ma's help in getting her way.

Feb. 17, 2011 - :-) !!!!!
                we were headed to visit the kids. includes a picture

Feb. 23, 2011 - A neat place to EAT!
                in Illinois, includes pictures of Analyse

March 3, 2011 - our recent weekend at the kids -
                lots of tales about things Analyse said and did

March 6, 2011 - Time spent with a friend :-]
                includes pictures of the clothes Kate and I picked up for Analyse

March 17, 2011 - Baby News :->
                  Ultrasound report

March 21, 2011 - Brandon and Analyse
                  they came to town for Brandon's birthday. "Ms. Analyse continues to keep all of us on our toes."  Examples given.
                  includes pictures of Brandon and Analyse

March 24, 2011 - Two Analyse Stories ;->
                  # 1 - "Cyn-di....you won't believe what your daughter just did!!!" And then "Little girl, you are too smart for your age!".
                  # 2 - Cyndi had said "no, you can't have popsicles with out a bib".  ...
                  includes a picture

April 12, 2011 - So, about that name...
               they changed their minds about the coming baby's name

April 21, 2011 - "Baby Shower / Come Visit Time"
               includes pictures

April 22, 2011 - just us, hanging together
               (after the shower / get together time)  includes pictures

May 4, 2011 - Complimentary phone call ;-)
             the compliment was the reason behind the call...

May 16, 2011 - For Analyse's upcoming 2nd Birthday
               includes pictures

June 10, 2011 - Analyse's 2nd birthday - Part 1 - the banner
                includes WONDERFUL pictures of the birthday girl

June 11, 2011 - Analyse's 2nd birthday - Part 2 - The Cookie Monster(R) cupcakes
                includes pictures of the birthday girl

June 13, 2011 - Analyse's 2nd birthday - Part 3 - the food we took
                includes pictures of the birthday girl

June 16, 2011 - Analyse's 2nd birthday - Part 4 - fun pictures from the party

July 7, 2011 - Yet again, He provided ;->
            a double stroller

July 12, 2011 - "Theyhadababyit'saboy"
               includes a picture

July 14, 2011 - They named him...
               includes pictures

July 22, 2011 - We met Elliot! :->
               includes some blurry pictures

July 29, 2011 - A "Grandma Tale" :->
              I had every single stuffed animal dug out of both bins lined up down that couch...

Aug. 12, 2011 - About my birthday
               Over the phone, Analyse sang to me and a picture of her

Aug. 24, 2011 - Progress Made:
               Who was coming

Aug. 30, 2011 - Wedding Weekend - Fri. Night
               a bat visited us while it was just Boo, the grand kids and I to home

Sept. 13, 2011 - Part 4 of Brent and Kayla's wedding
                 Analyse  helping get the church ready

Oct. 12, 2011 - My week this week
               Examples of how I was having a very busy week this week being grandma. :->
               Example #1 - those gorgeous blue eyes popped open and his expression asked, "What ya doin grandma?"
               Example #2 - A couple of minutes later, I could not discipher what she was saying, so I turned my head to look at her.  She had removed all of the burner knobs off of the stove, but could not ...
               Suddenly I realized that Elliott was moving, towards the edge of the counter. By standing on tip toe, she had been able to ...
              she discovered that she could fit her little hand in through the handle of a box, which was sitting on a bench in the kitchen ...
              Amy's van was home, a visiting we went!
              when we returned home, the kids and I then spent another two hours outside.
              Two things about that. First, Ms. Analyse likes to talk!!!     Secondly, Mr. Elliot seldom stops moving.

Oct. 17, 2011 - Grandma Tales :->
              Watching Elmo(R) - "Friend". 'silence is usually NOT a good sign coming from young children'. Aw yes, grandma remembers now... all to well.... ;-p

Oct. 27, 2011 - "Updates"
              Pictures of the new born Elliot (we found our camera), how we learned Analyse resembles Grandma "Honey", Elliot at 3 months old

Nov. 1, 2011 - We had taken Elliot along on our date...

Nov. 15, 2011 - Currently (now) living in our house

Nov. 27, 2011 - Ga_ _ ma's bunny and it's "bed"
Nov. 28, 2011 - 'Aunt' Billie's Banana Bread Recipe
               alternative title for this posting could be: "Cooking with Gaa_ _ ma" :-D !!!
               contains a tip about a special type of sandwich

Dec. 2, 2011 - A Different kind of Stuffed Manicotti
              several cute pictures inserted there in

Dec. 7, 2011 - "Nonunions?" = a grandma's tale ;-p!
             trying to decipher what song it really was she was requesting I sing

Dec. 16, 2011 - 3 Heat Warming Grandma Moments :-D
          #1 - "I cuddle you!"  #2 - his cry turned into laughter  #3 -  Analyse's response to me finding the missing 'baby'.

     Do you have any idea how much I've smiled while doing this listing?  I am SO-O-O-o BLESSED!!!  Thank-you Lord!

     And now for some pictures :->

        Nov. 11 #007
       "Papa 'Honey' " feeding Elliot the Sunday before Thanksgiving

         Nov. 11 # 008
         Analyse keeping "Papa" awake ;-p
          [her outfit is a combination of clothes she already had, and clothes brought to us by a friend and her daughters (something I have on my list to post about...) ]

~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;->
You might also enjoy these postings: 

~ "Directory" of the postings about "The Grandchildren" from the year 2010
          includes a couple pictures

~ "Directory of the postings about "The Grandchildren" from the year 2009
          includes a picture

2011 Hopefully Useful Tips Directory -

     This is a directory listing of sorts, of all of the "Hopefully Useful Tips" we posted in 2011.

Jan. 4, 2011 - How to leave a comment on our blog, if you don't have a blog of your own

March 1, 2011 - Tips About Coffee

March 12, 2011 - A catchy way to remember which way to turn your clock for Daylight Savings Time

June 3, 2011 - A couple of quick tips (tongue in cheek?)

June 10, 2011 - How To Make a Board Banner

June 14, 2011 - Their Up and Running Again
                 (about fun places to visit in Michigan, which are only open during the warm weather months)

June 19, 2011 - Wonderful 'Pick it Here' directory (for almost world wide)

June 20, 2011 - Good for you AND good tasting?
               (Product review I did for PROMAX LS bars)

June 23, 2011 - Info. about Yo Gabba Gabba!(R)'s LIVE tour

June 25, 2011 - FRESH STRAWBERRY Muffins
            (something to tempt you to visit our Cooking and Baking Directories too o;-p)

June 27, 2011 - More smiles and a Baiting Tip
            (baiting tip is for mouse traps)

June 30, 2011 - Our 'sign' worked!

July 30, 2011 - Miscarriages = Emotional Roller-coasters

Aug. 8, 2011 - "Be Still and Know..."

Sept. 27, 2011 - Seven tongue in cheek helpful tips ;-p

Dec. 5, 2011 - How to keep things from boiling over (when cooking)
           (a tip I learned from Tammy ;->)

    Doing these directories, helps me find when and where it was I had posted something. I'm sure you other bloggers never have that problem o;-p.

~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;->
You might also enjoy these postings: 

  ~ 2010 Hopefully Useful Tips Directory

  ~ 2009 Hopefully Useful Tips Directory

  ~ 2008 Hopefully Useful Tips Directory

  ~ 2007 Hopefully Useful Tips Directory

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:

  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
~ "Unwasted Homemaking Party('s)", are hosted by Marcie, at 'Don't Waste Your Homemaking' (http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com/).

2011 Cooking and Baking Directory -

   This is a directory listing of sorts, of all of the "Cooking and Baking" postings we did in 2011.
  

 Jan 4, 2011 - Carrot Cake
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about baby food carrots]

Jan. 9, 2011 - Strawberry Cake
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about assembling and moving layered cakes]

Jan. 11, 2011 - Drool-Overable-Chocolate-Cake

Jan 15, 2011 - Chocolate Covered Strawberies
              [it contained  "Bonus Tip's" about sitting while doing them, eating them as you go, and their 'life span'.]

Jan 23, 2011 - Peanut Butter Fudge

Jan. 30, 2011 - Homemade Chocolate Pudding
              (aka: "home made pudding recipe #1")
               [it contained a "Bonus Tip" for when your doubling pudding recipes]

Jan. 31, 2011 - "Party Foods" #6 - Improvised Chili Based Dip Recipe

Feb. 1, 2011 - "I found them" (the pictures of the Christmas Cakes)

Feb. 7, 2011 - (Made from scratch) Fudge Brownies

Feb. 11, 2011 - Stew from leftover Pork Loin
                [it contained  "Bonus Tip's" about cooking Pork Loins. One about using your crockpot after it's been in the fridge. And steps of how to thicken a soup into a stew.]

Feb. 13, 2011 - Wonderful Plain Muffins
                (they go GREAT with soups, stews, goulash...)

March 1, 2011 - Tips about Coffee
                [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about storing your baking yeast]

March 9, 2011 - "Hot Dog Bar"
                (aka: Menu's for Party Buffet Bars #1)
                [it contained  "Bonus Tip's" about the actual setting up of a food bar/buffet

March 11, 2011 - "Show-N-Tell"
                  (Brian had bought me Ree's Cookbook)

March 16, 2011 - "Mexican Style" Bar
                 (aka: Menu's for Party Buffet Bars #2)
                  [it contained information about how much food to plan on per person. And a "Bonus Tip" about cutting up your tomatoes a day ahead of time.]

March 23, 2011 -  Pasta and Salad Type Bar
                 (aka: Menu's for Party Buffet Bars #3)
                  [it contained  "Bonus Tip's" about the type and size of disposable plates to buy. And one about having people mark their cups.]

March 24, 2011 - Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

March 26, 2011 - Chocolate Chip or M+M(R) Cookies
               [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about cracking your eggs into the bowl, and one about if part of the shell breaks off into your batter]

April 4, 2011 - Soothing Shepherd's Pie
             [it contained  "Bonus Tip's" about  using garlic powder]

April 6, 2011 - When 'Plan A' doesn't work but you still need to turn it into dinner
             [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about how to get your meat easier to work with]

April 25, 2011 - "Not just for Easter" #1 - Pink Bunny Cookies
           (aka: Sugar Cookie Recipe #1 as well as "Cream Filled Confetti Cookies")
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about why you need to refrigerate certain types of dough, one about how to re-roll your unused dough, one about how to keep plastic wrap from settling on covered items, and one about our "Help Yourself Shelf"

April 27, 2011 - "Not just for Easter" #2 - Yellow Ducky Cookies
           (aka: Sugar Cookie Recipe #2)
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about how to get the maximum amount of cookies cut from each rolled batch, one about the trick to use if you plan on making them into sandwich cookies, and one about what to use for a really delicious frosting]

April 29, 2011 - "Not just for Easter" #3 - Rice Krispie(TM) Eggs
           (aka: "Shape-able Rice Krispie(TM) Treats")
           [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about getting your pan coating spray to really work

May 2, 2011 - "Not just for Easter" #4 - Chocolate Covered Ducky Cookies

June 11, 2011 - Cookie Monster(R) Cupcakes

June 13, 2011 - "Party Foods" #7 - Bacon Cheeseball
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about cutting green onions]

June 25, 2011 - Strawberry Muffins
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about not using papers for muffins]

July 5, 2011 - Oatmeal Carmelitas
           [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about mixing large batches]

Sept. 7, 2011 - Brent + Kayla's wedding cakes 

Oct. 4, 2011 - "Party Foods" #8 - My version of Fruit Pizza

Oct. 6, 2011 - "Party Foods" #9 - Brownie Cups
         [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about spraying the inside of cupcake papers]

Oct. 31, 2011 - YUM-A-Setta
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about getting your water to boil faster]

Nov. 28, 2011 - "Aunt" Billie's  Banana Bread Recipe
           [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about what 'age' of bananas make the best baked goods, and one about banana bread sandwiches]

Dec. 2, 2011 - A different kind of Stuffed Manicotti
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about freezing Banana Bread, one about keeping cooking noodles from sticking together, and one about 'mending' ripped noodles]

Dec. 5, 2011 - How to keep things from boiling over
           (a tip I learned from Tammy ;->)

Dec. 10, 2011 - (Pie #1) Homemade Butterscotch Pudding (Pie)
            (aka: "home made pudding recipe #2")
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about what to do with the not needed egg whites, adding eggs to already hot ingredients]
           
Dec. 27, 2011 - "Party Foods" #10 - My version of Veggie Pizza
             [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about making a thicker flakier crust, one about a good methodology to use when adding the veggies, and one about helping the veggies stay on better]

Dec. 28, 2011 - "Party Foods" #11 - My rendition of Spinach Dip with Pumpernickel
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about removing the liquid from frozen spinach]

Dec. 29, 2011 - "Party Foods" #12 - Shrimp Dip
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about softening your cream cheese]

Dec. 30, 2011 - "Party Foods" #13 - 'Italian' Meatballs in Parmesan Sauce
            [it contained a "Bonus Tip" about why to add eggs to meatballs, one about the benefit of layering meatballs, rather than dumping them in, and one about if the top of your prepared sauce gets too thick]

Dec. 31, 2011 - "Party Foods" #14 - Sausage Dip
            [ it contained a "Bonus Tip" about thinning hot dips]


    Doing these directories, helps me find when and where it was I had posted something. I'm sure you other bloggers never have that problem o;-p.

~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;-> ~ ~ ;->
You might also enjoy these postings: 
 ~  2010 Cooking and Baking Directory

 ~  2009 Cooking and Baking Directory

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:

  ~ "Simply Delish Sunday('s)", are hosted by KB and Whitesnakes, at 'KB and Whitesnakes Home' (http://kbandwhitesnakeshome.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Creative Monday's", are hosted by Clair Justine, at 'Clairejustineoxox' (http://clairejustineoxox.blogspot.com/), and Judy, at 'Judy-H-JS Thoughts' (http://judyh-jsthoughts.blogspot.com/)
  ~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven'  (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)'  (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
  ~  "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes'  (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/). 
 ~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies / Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
 ~ "Totally Tasty Tuesdays", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/).
  ~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace'  (http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/).
  ~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", are hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/). 
   ~ "These Chicks Cooked Link Party", hosted by Katie L, at 'This Chick Cooks' (http://thischickcooks.blogspot.com)
 ~ "Full Plate Thursday('s)", are hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/). 
 ~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)     
 ~ "Sweets For A Saturday", hosted by Lisa, at 'Sweet As Sugar Cookies' (http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com)

What my 'plan' had been....

      I had progressed through all of the design scheming and the application tweaking, to the point that I was happy with the blog header I'd designed for 2012. All of the pieces of it just needed 'glued' together, a web address given to it, and the final product applied to the blog.

     Some how (that I still totally don't get), my email draft which I kept the links to all of the different 'Seasonal Smile' Pictures I liked, emptied itself. Frustrating!!! I had again looked up and found pictures I liked and wanted to use for the month of January. Had saved thier addresses.  Just needed to clear the December ones from the blog and apply the January ones.

     Do you remember how back on Sat., December 17th, I had told you, "While I have chosen to not join Pinterest myself, due to how **addictive it *could ( *aka: would most likely) become, it seems that our blog has unofficially 'joined' of it's own accord." ... "About the ** before the word 'addictive'. If you go to pinterest's HOME page, I'll be able to show you what I mean." ... "Do you 'get' why I think me joining pinterest, would be like signing up for a new addiction?  o;-b.  Mercy!"
    Well... ummm... you see.... Okay, I'll just come out and admit it. Big breath intake. I joined pinterest.  This was a response I got to the news - "Who saw this coming? KATE saw this coming lol... :) So glad you're giving in to the Pinterest bug!"

    So-o-o, my 'plan' had been, that New Years morning, before we headed out, I was going to get on line, finish up our new blog header and apply it to our blog. I was also going to change the color scheme from a "Christmasy one", to blues. As well as change the 'Seasonal Smile' pictures. A-n-d, I was going to add a button to our blog, so you could join me on pinterest yourself(R) if you so desired. I had a lead on how to do the later thing.
    I did get up. I did get on line. I did attempt to do the final details to make the new blog header applicable. I tried. My hardest. But I just could not seem to get it to work. BOTHER!  I spent so much time trying to figure it out, that I used up all of my time. Twerent happy, let me tell you! 8-/!  "Fine then", I said to myself, "we should be home by 8:30 at the latest. Once we get Analyse down, I'll have Byron or Benson help me figure it all out, and still get everything applied". And I'd be able to do the "Happy New Years" posting I had in mind, complete with a picture saved for it.
    But as I told you about yesterday, we didn't come home that night. And once we finally did get home, we had sick grandchildren. And then a couple of us got sick ourselves. And "life" again laughed at my 'plans'.

    So... I am only running close to a week behind 'schedule', but I am ever so happy to announce, that Byron was able to help me finish getting our blog header applicable today (I was only missing two small, but ever so important, 'details'. Isn't that the way it always goes?!). It is now applied. And I did get all of the seasonal pictures and color theme changed. And while I was not able to figure out the pinterest(R) connect button, like I had thought I could, I did figure out a  way for you to connect anyways. ;-D  Scroll down our side bar, and you'll see what I mean. But be careful, I'm warning you how "addictive" it can be... o;-p
    For those of you whom gets our posting via email - go HERE to see the blog itself.

   Both grand kids are up again... and Benson's home from work... and Byron's computer crashed on him.... Aww "life".   Good thing I stuck a Pepsi(R) in the fridge, eh?  o;-b!