Apple Shaped Mini Pies

School is almost out and my little ones and I celebrated today by making some miniature apple-shaped pies for the big kids’ after school snack.  We had just finished reading A Was Once an Apple Pie, and it seemed like a good idea.


I went for ease rather than taste.  I grabbed some store bought pie crusts from the refrigerated section and a can of apple pie filling.  I have an amazing apple pie recipe, but I knew that I’d be baking with three helpers age 5 and under so I opted to keep things simple.  I’m glad I did.  We had a lot of fun together.


When they cooled we slipped them in little bags to give to the big kids.




While the taste could be improved simply by using a real recipe, the pies turned out great.  They looked good, and my family gobbled them up.  They were really easy to make.


My little ones and I had so much fun that we’ll definitely do this again soon.  It was a great activity.


mold found here Hopeful Homemaker

Coconut, Strawberries and Cream



When I made these for our Easter dinner table, my husband wasn’t all that interested in his (no surprise).

He did, however, request a different version which actually tastes really good.  It’s a fun twist on strawberry shortcake, but with a chewy coconut crust on the bottom.  I simply used one of the bird nests and added cream to it, then piled fresh strawberries on top.


To make the crust (or nest):

2 1/4 cups sweetened coconut 1 egg white Mix coconut and egg white together.  Shape into 5 “nests” and place on parchment paper.  Bake at 350 for 16 minutes.  Cool completely, then top with whipped cream and strawberries.


YUM!

Jennifer

Mmmm…



French bread loaves cooling on my kitchen counter.  Is there anything more wonderful?


I tried a new recipe yesterday.  Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, this bread was perfect.  It took a long time but was worth the wait.    I’ll be making more today, it’s that good  (and I promise to share the recipe after I master it).


The recipe said to let the bread cool completely before slicing.  I tried.  Really I did.  And then I thought to myself, “What good is a loaf of bread that isn’t fabulous when it’s still warm?”  So I tore a piece off, it’s heat warming my fingers as steam rose from the center of the loaf.  Don’t worry, it’s fabulous warm, and therefore a keeper.  I was grateful at that moment for a large hungry family to share with, else I would have eaten too much.


As I tore pieces of the loaf to share with each member of my family, a reverent feeling crept into my heart.  The words “making home” came to mind.  That is what I’m doing.  It is such a privilege.

Hopeful Homemaker

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