Mom's Apple Pie

 

There is nothing like my Mom's apple pie. It tastes the best. That's all I can say. I have been saving this recipe since my trip to Arizona when we made a pie together. I wondered if I should share this recipe with the world, because then everyone would be baking delicious apple pies. But I know I'm safe, because my Mom will always have the magic touch.

McCall's Cook Book "The absolutely complete step-by-step cooking and serving guide", is where the recipe comes from. You know a cook book with a tag line like that is going to be good. Every time my Mom got it off the shelf, I knew something delicious was going to be cooking in the kitchen.

Here is the recipe, right off the page (click to enlarge):

 

We used this Betty Crocker crust mix. I know it's not completely from scratch, but it tastes the most like home-made, and you still have to "make" it. If you prefer to make your own dough, go for it.

Make the crust according to the package directions. Add water and mix to form dough.

Split the dough in half. One for the bottom crust, one for the top.

Flour your work surface and get out your rolling pin.

Now it's time to roll out...

Place the bottom crust into a deep dish pie plate.

You can prepare the apples before making the crust, or start them now. Peel and core 2 pounds of granny smith apples (enough to make 6 cups thinly sliced).

 

Slice and put them in a large bowl.

Mix together:
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
4 Tablespoons of flour

 

Add sugar mixture to the bowl of sliced apples and mix to coat well. 

Pour apple mixture into your pie plate with bottom crust.

Mound the apples higher in the middle and add 2 Tablespoons of sliced butter on top.

Carefully roll out your top crust, lay it over the apples, and crimp the edges closed. 

 

Cut a few steam vents in the top of the pie and brush the top with an egg, for that beautiful golden color.

Here is is, in all it's apple-pie-goodness. Ooooooh......aaaaaaahhhhh. Let it cool for a while to make cutting easier. I highly recommend serving it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

What's more American or delicious than home-made apple pie? Thanks Mom, for making countless delicious apple pies, and teaching me how!

In the beginning God created

I would like to share something I encountered this week. This post discusses a deep root of my faith. I believe in God. I believe that God created the entire Universe. Including the Earth and all of its life, by speaking it into existence.

The first verse, of the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 says exactly how it happened, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis goes on to list in detail, that God created light, day and night, heaven and earth, grass, stars, every living animal, whales, caterpillars, cattle and beasts...and the list goes on.

Then God created man. Humankind. An entity entirely unlike any other part of creation. Not comparable to any animal. Not derived from any animal. Mankind in the image and likeness of God Himself. Genesis 1:26, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness".

This fact, this truth, this answer to the question "Why are we here?" is the foundation upon which I live my life. It's what I believe. There is not a single doubt in my mind that this is the truth.

Phew. I had to say that. If this is the only place that my voice is heard or my words are read, let my words speak the truth.

I don't know exactly when Mr. Darwin's theory of Evolution became accepted as widespread fact. I would like to recall exactly what a theory is: a speculative plan, a conjecture, guess, a proposed explanation of observed phenomena (as stated in my Webster's dictionary that I've had since 4th grade). It's not rocket science to me, but why guess and speculate about something that is already spelled out and accounted for in the Bible? "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1

This theory of a big bang beginning and the evolution of species has infiltrated science books, classrooms and scientific studies for years. I had the privilege of attending various Christian schools throughout almost all my years of education. For the teachers and professors that proclaimed the truth of creation as stated in the Bible, I stand and applaud you. Sadly, even at a Christian college, I found professors who believed and taught a strange mixture of creation-evolution science.

This week, I attended two different professional work related lectures. One focused on innovation and business practices. The other on branding and design. Both referenced pieces of evolution, as if it were everyday fact. Rooms filled with mature professionals, listening to ideas that we evolved from monkeys. That our brains took years to develop into what they are now. That life started millions and millions of years ago. That our relatives are reptiles. As I sat in my seat, I felt like I was living on a different planet. Doesn't anyone believe in God? Does anyone believe that God created us? Does anyone that owns a Bible actually read the account of creation?

Pretend you are an artist. Say one day, you invent the most astonishing product known to man. You also design breathtaking packaging with visual and structural perfection. You create the most incredible branding campaign that takes the entire world by storm, including a mind-blowing logo, tag line, jingle, website, print, television and radio ads. Everywhere you turn, people around the globe see images of the product that you made. That you created. However, you don't get credit for any of it. Your brainchild, that you designed with your ideas and your own hands, never gets attributed to you. Instead, someone starts a story that your invention just "appeared" one day. No thought involved. No purposeful design. No artist behind the art. It was essentially "magic." This story spreads like wildfire and people believe it! 

Would you be mad? All your planning, all your hard work and all the joy that went into your creation, and no one believes that you made it?

I know this lame example pales in comparison to the spectacular wonder of God's creation. But do you get it? Doesn't it burn you when you don't get credit for something you did? This analogy struck me as I was driving home from the one of the lectures. God is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

I want to give God full credit and praise for his miraculous creation. I'm not afraid to say it. I think one of the worst things an artist can do, is take credit they don't deserve, deny an artist the credit they are due, or worse, pass something off as their own when it doesn't belong to them.


Why did I write this? Because I'm tired of the theory of evolution being proclaimed and believed. I'm tired of Creation, by an Awesome and Intelligent God, being dismissed as a fairy tale. Read Genesis for yourself. Open the Bible to the first page. Most of all, I want you to know that there is a real, personal, living God. The God Who loves you and created you. You are not here by any accident.

John 8:32: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Baby Shower Invitation Design

I recently had the fun opportunity to design a baby shower invitation. I love projects like this! The theme was inspired by wall art and colors selected for the baby's room-to-be. Warm red, orange, yellow and brown.

*Names and information have been changed

I came across this cute idea of "wish cards" that shower guests could fill out for the baby. These would make a sweet little collection, in a book perhaps, for her to read someday.

The favors were Norah Jones CD's, playing off of the baby's name - how cute is that?

I can't wait to meet you Norah! There are so many people looking forward to welcoming you into the world. You are already so loved little one!

Birthday Weekend Bonanza in Photos

Last weekend was my 28th birthday. And a wonderful birthday weekend bonanza it was! My husband added the "bonanza" part, because "bonanza" makes anything sound so exciting! I spent my birthday eve with some of the girls, having an in-home spa night, including professional chair massage, manicure, facial and of course food. I have one word: amazing. 

When I got home, I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers! They're still going strong, and I love how they look on my table. Do I have a sweet husband or what? It get's better.

On Saturday (the real b-day), Andrew took me to my favorite place for breakfast, Simply Crepes. But the surprise was that he took me to the one in Canandaigua, near the lake. This location is just as charmingly decorated in french-country style as one closest to us, but is more spacious and less crowded on a Saturday.

I just love the chandeliers, blue glassware and simple elegance.

This was my handsome view across the table. Nothing like that first cup (well in this case, second cup) of coffee.

I was enjoying a fabulous Mimosa! I think I may start every day with one of these...

The crepes were delicious. We decided that we both had to order something we had never tried before. I ordered a grilled veggie crepe with pesto and red pepper sauce (yum), and my husband ordered the buffalo chicken crepe. Classic.

After breakfast, we walked along the street of shops.

Andrew had already checked out the area and was planning to take me to this gallery of local artists. I told you he was good. I really enjoyed looking at the paintings and photography. It made me want to get out the blank canvas sitting in our basement, and dip a brush into some paint.

We admired the lake for a bit and took some photos of the beautiful scenery.

The sun was so bright that the water looked like shimmering diamonds.

Look how cute he is with his cool shades. Look how white those sneakers are! I guess it pays to only wear them when there is no chance of rain.

After that, we did a little shopping. This is my kind of day! I picked out some of my favorites from Bath & Body Works and got a shirt from TJ Max. We walked around the mall for a bit and he even carried my bags! Am I a lucky wife or what?

We drove back home and headed to Bazil for dinner. The shrimp scampi was soooooo good.

Then we went around the corner to Phillips European to take home one of their infamous desserts! Notice the illuminated "PASTRIES" sign in the window. That says it all.

A heavenly slice of chocolate mousse torte.

And yes, I ate it on my favorite birthday plate. You can't see it, but that's a cat wearing a birthday hat with a cupcake and a candle. It's tradition! My dear friends Tom and Diane gave me this plate many years ago, and it's always been special to me.

On Sunday, my family came over for cake and ice cream. I don't have just ONE day of birthday, my goal is to stretch it out and celebrate as long as possible! Hence, the birthday weekend bonanza! It's more fun that way.

Andrew baked, frosted and decorated this cake himself. I was so impressed! I was remarking on how smooth and even the frosting looked. He attributed it to being so experienced at spackling. Makes perfect sense.

Here it is, the big finale. Blowing out the candles.

Much love goes out to each of my friends and family that made this birthday so special. You are loved! And you made me feel so loved! XOXO

This is the last birthday that I will be advertising my age, so you'll have to do the math from now on.

And The Winner Is...

I know you've all been waiting on the edge of your seats (all three of you contestants)! Well, the wait is over. Thanks to random.org, I am happy to announce the non-rigged winner of my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY IS:

*Laura*
Laura is my beautiful sister-in-law. She is a wife and mother of two darling little girls (my nieces), whom I wish lived closer to so we could all hang out (and go shopping at Ross Dress For Less on a weekly basis!). I think we spent two hours wandering around that bargain store, just the two of us! Good times.

Here is a photo of Laura and I this past Christmas '09.

And here are my two adorable nieces. I think these precious faces are saying, "How about you send us some candy Aunt Sarah?"

Congratulations Laura! Be on the lookout in your mailbox for your prize! I hope you find some use for this handy little bag.

Thanks for playing ladies!

Last Day to Enter Zipper Bag Giveaway!

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

I'm beginning to think that this cute little zipper bag is a lame giveaway. Is it? Should I have offered a better prize? Maybe this photo doesn't do it justice. Perhaps no one is actually reading this little 'ol blog of mine. Maybe all of the above.

Where are you beloved bloggers? I was hoping for more excitement surrounding my first ever giveaway. And I was looking forward to reading more fabulous childhood birthday party stories! I had such high hopes as I recalled memories of my 7th birthday party at CHUCK-E-CHEESE. That Elvis-impersonating -guitar-playing cat looked SO real!

Much love to all THREE of you who entered. Who, oh who will it be...

*To enter, see previous post HERE

Happy Birthday to Me! Giveaway For You! Win a Handmade Zipper Bag (by Yours Truly)

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

Hello Beloved Blog Readers! I hope you are enjoying this first day of spring, which is also my 28th birthday! Can you believe it? I can't. It feels like I just turned 23 and was about to get married. How does time go by that fast? Speaking of time, where have I been? I don't know how 2 weeks slipped away from me without any posts. So, to make it up to you, I'm having my first ever giveaway!

In celebration of spring's arrival and my birthday, one of you lucky blog stalkers will win this adorable spring-y zipper bag. It is 5 x 7 inches. Perfect for holding small items in your purse, using as a little clutch for your cell phone, credit cards or for storing...crayons? 

• PRIZE: 1 Zipper Bag
• TO ENTER: Comment on this post (be sure to include some type of contact info, such as email address)
• BONUS QUESTION: What was your favorite childhood birthday party?
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, March 26th at 8pm EST
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: USA
• DETAILS: One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Saturday.

I spent a splendid first day of spring & birthday with my husband. More to come on my birthday bonanza weekend soon. I can't wait to hear your great birthday stories! Right now, there is a piece of chocolate torte waiting for me...