Creative

Loving Lately

Loving Lately: Pie Crusts

They are delicious, buttery, flaky, crisp… Pie crusts are the essential avenue to basically all fantastic pie and tart fillings. But as if that weren’t enough, here is what I am loving about them lately: They are works of art! (Featured Image from Luna & Hazel)

I really wish I had talent. Here is “The prettiest apple pie we ever did see” from monicahibbs.com, I can’t disagree.

Or how about a simple polk-a-dot? I love a classic stripe or polk-a-dot, me and Kate Spade. From Linda_Lomelino via Instagram:

Of course you could let the fruit do all of the talking- like the Pear Almond Tart from pastryaffair.com, no one could fault you for that.

But I am just fascinated by these intricate weaves. Thank you hintofvanillablog 🙂

I love this next one, similar to the plaid woven and braided apple pie pictured above. <3 Although I haven’t been able to track down the original, the link from Pinterest will take you to more amazing pies and crust ideas at feedfeed.com.

I’ve featured this adorable heart pie before, doesn’t it just shout love from home? It’s the Strawberry Sweetheart Slab Pie from Jillian Harris:

Look at the creativity from theprettyblog on this Caramel, Pear & Pecan Lattice Pie. It’s so beautiful!

And this Fall Harvest Apple Pie from BellasBanquet that seems blanketed by leaves. So pretty!

I’m not going to lie, this crunchy streusel topping over a creamy blueberry pie from The Girl Who Ate Everything looks outstanding even without the intricate fuss.

Okay, just one last shot of fabulous from TheKitchenMcCabe, and then I’m off to make a pie.

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Outdoor Entertaining

Obsessed is such a strong word. So please note I use it lightly, but not very lightly, when I say I am obsessed with over-the-top outdoor entertaining ideas.

You really can’t get overly dramatic for me. Candlelit chandeliers? Antlers? Gardens worth of fresh flowers? Bring it.

Naturally, since I am still recovering from a nasty fall, I am pining over what could be.

Just think of the possibilities… if I was at full strength… and money were no object…

Or if I had 100 candles and lanterns.

Don’t you just love the thought of being surrounded by your loved ones, breaking bread, on a perfect night of weather, on your own farm? (Because obviously that is how it always happens.)

But I’ll be honest, I’d be elated just to be outside with my family if it turned out like this…

Because outdoor entertaining is the best. (And so is Pinterest for sharing all of these pictures with me).

Pizza Bagels

This is proof that food can be fun. I have some cherished childhood memories of my dad making pizza bagels. It’s the kind of food he’d make for us while mom was away at a baby shower or something. It seemed exciting because, well for one, we were cooking with dad. Second, it was all things we were familiar with and knew we liked. Pizza! For another, it really seemed like we were getting creative. Taking something made for one thing and turning it into something completely different. Kids eat that kind of stuff up! (Figuratively and literally… and so do adults.) It really doesn’t get much easier!

As organic as possible:

Makes 8 servings

4 plain or everything Bagels, cut in half

1 – 14.5 oz jar or can of favorite prepared or homemade pizza sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

4 oz Pepperoni

*Any other topping you like (my kids pretty much stop right there)

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Place bagel halves, open faced, on a baking sheet. Spoon on desired amount of sauce on each bagel. (Side note: This is a lot of fun for kids (big and small). And everyone can adjust the toppings to their preferences.) Place a handful of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce. Sporadically or methodically place pepperonis on top of the cheese (keeping in mind they will shrink in size when they cook).

Place the pizza works of art into the oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Leave it until it starts to brown if you prefer. This is your show. But do allow them to cool slightly before you bite into them, because the sauce will be surprisingly hot, and if you burn your tongue on the first bite, you will ruin the rest of your dinner. …And tasty pizza bagels are too tasty and fun to not enjoy!

The Creative Blogger Award

I am so honored to be the recipient of two awards! I love the idea of bloggers supporting bloggers. As a busy mom my time to read is limited. When I do get the time, I am astounded at the amount of talent out there. These awards shed light on individuals I may have never found otherwise.

There are always going to be more talented people than me; people who captivate readers with a single sentence, and take on meaningful subjects I don’t want to touch. There are those whose photography blow my shots of dinner out of the water! I never am going to have the life of an adventurer sharing some trek in the Congo. I don’t want to be a 5 star chef, I just want to feed my family good food. I am content in life; I am raising four beautiful children; I am a dedicated wife; I am a follower of Christ. I’m not trying to be something I’m not, and sharing that with you has been unexpectedly fulfilling.

Thank you stephysweetbakes for appreciating what I do. Your creativity is astounding, I aspire to make my pies look like yours!

Rules of the Award

1. Nominate 15-20 blogs and notify the nominees.
2. Post the link of the blog that nominated you.
3. Share five random facts about yourself.

My Five Random Facts:

1. I prefer my deodorant and baking powder aluminum free

2. I have no business having a hobby that requires knowledge of social media

3. I don’t have a natural love of fish or seafood, I coerce myself

4. I love thunderstorms

5. I loathe sharing french fries, I’d much rather buy you your own

My Nominees (in no particular order):

1. Emerging Adult Eats

2. Savory Stalks