Pie Elves

Options to order pre-made pies from Rolla Technical Institute's Culinary Arts Class.

Pie Elves

How I wish this class had been around when I would cook big Thanksgiving dinners!

Our local technical institute has a culinary class offering pre-made pies, from apple crumb and cherry crumb to pumpkin and pecan. I love making pies, especially from traditional recipes, but there were times when it would have been nice to have - well, pie elves, helping out.

We grew up making pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, rare leftovers a favorite day after breakfast with a cold glass of milk.

Pecan pies were added after I got married, a favorite of family members who were proud of their secret recipe.

These days I like to bake just the pumpkin custard for dessert using skim milk and doubling up on spices, the pie crust left for a discussion topic on how best to make it flaky.

On second thought, I may have to splurge for one of these pies, all I have to do is pick them up!

Charlotte

Cool Refreshing Treat

If you're looking for a healthy, and easy, treat, don't look any farther than watermelons. Although we often associate watermelons with light summer deserts, watermelons also make healthy, and delicious, juice any time of the year.

Watermelons come close to being a perfect fruit, high in vitamins and antioxidants.

I usually use a melon baler to remove watermelon pieces so they can easily be tossed into desert dishes. Keep  a dish towel handy because it can get a little messy. During that process, a good 16 oz of juice, along with left over smaller watermelon pieces, gets generated.

Remembering the wonderful watermelon juice stands in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I decided to make my own. I pour watermelon juice, and some left over pieces, into a container and give it a spin in my blender. You can add a touch of lemon and ice to give it an extra cold texture. Not only will you be getting a lot of nutrients, but watermelon juice will quench your thirst, too!

Charlotte