Book Review /// May

 Nothing like a good book and a cup of tea!

    I started this book several weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. I LOVE history. And I mean LOVE! There is so much knowledge to be gained from the past, and I feel we overlook it with excuses, "Its boring, that happened way back then, how does this apply to today?" But as the saying goes, "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

              Victoria's Daughters by Jerrold M. Packard

 I've always had bit of an interest in British History in general, so when I found this book at the library ( I really don't own many books, the library is definitely right up there with food and water, for me) I was really intrigued. The main focus is of course Victoria's daughters (hence the name) but I feel that this book gave a very historically accurate portrayal of the whole monarachy and life in the United Kingdom at that time. It is very well written, the authors use of words was PHENOMANAL! There are pictures also of the family which really helps to put these people in perspective as real human beings, not just characters from the past.

I feel like I had a very strong education, and since I've finished school that I've kinda slacked off on my reading material. And this was just the ticket! If you're interested in this sort of reading material, I highly recommend this book. I would also love any book suggestions!

Necessary Recipes: Apple Pie

 

So, I'm not a rustic girl. I love old fashioned and practical things, but the whole "burlap and lace", "iron chickens" and "beds made out of old crates"style don't really make me happy. I like them for other people but not for myself. But..... when it comes to Apple Pie, you just can't help it! This is a recipe that screams "Stir me with a wooden spoon! Bake me in a rustic pie pan!"*               


 Unlike most 'Americana' pies it doesn't have a top crust. I read somewhere that Apple pies like this are called Dutch Apple, and the ones with the top crust are French Apple. Or the other way round, I really can't remember. This has always been a favorite and it always disappears fast at gatherings.

  5 cups cubed, peeled apples (granny smith are best)
  1/2 cup sugar
  2T. flour
  1t. cinnamon
  1/2t. ground nutmeg
  1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

TOPPING:
  1/3 cup sugar
  1/3 cup flour
  1/3 cup cold butter

  Toss the apples and the dry ingredients together. I let them sit in a bowl and marinate while I make the pie crust.

   When you're done with the crust, gently fill your pie pan with the apples and all the yummy juices at the bottom of the bowl. When you're cutting in your butter you'll want to leave some big, yummy chunks to melt into the pie.

 

     Yum, yum! I hope anyone who tries this pie will enjoy making, and eating it as much as I do!

*To clarify: Pies don't scream. Or talk.

The Beginning // 2-6-15

  This was my little corner of the world today. A vast expanse of sparkling whiteness. I like to think that it is representative of a clean slate, a new beginning. I'm so excited to begin this blog and share my little world with the big world. Sit down and stay awhile!