Apple pie

Homemade Apple Pie

Independence Day is almost here and it is time to break out the classic American recipes. Hot dogs and hamburgers are standard barbecue foods, but so it a delicious baked dessert to finish off the grilled feast. This week, the column features three simple pie recipes. The preparation time is limited, so it won’t keep you from enjoying the day with your friends and family. Each pie uses just enough sugar to bring out the natural sweetness in these fruits, without covering it up. Since these dessert are so easy to make, you may want to sprinkle a bit of sugar on your apron just to show how you slaved over a hot stove to bring a homemade pie to the table. * If you wish to opt for something quicker to prepare, try the Winter Fruit Salad. Save the best for last with any of these pies. The American Apple Pie is sure to be a favorite at Fourth of July gatherings, but is equally perfect for a holiday feast during colder months. Each slice successfully boasts the natural flavor of fresh apple and the home-sweet-home taste of cinnamon. Kristen’s Key Lime Pie is easier than you could imagine, especially if you use a pre-made crust. Its refreshing flavor comes from the tangy juice of the key lime. Since fresh key limes are pricey and not readily available in all regions, you may choose to opt for the bottled juice. You won’t remember why you ever used cherry pie filling after you try the Very Cherry Pie. The ingredients work to bring out the natural flavors in the cherries and the result is a light and delicious dessert. These desserts will bring new meaning to the phrase “Easy as Pie.”
Pound Cake | EvinOK

My Grandma’s Classic Pound Cake

This week marks what would have been my grandma’s 104th birthday. She is remembered for many things from her stubbornness to her cooking -- I am proud to have inherited both those attributes. Just as there is no way I can forget the warmth of her hugs, it is impossible to forget the comfort her cooking offered. She made even the simplest foods special. I have shared her recipes in previous columns, most notably her corn pudding. Now, I am sharing her coveted baking recipes! Mary’s Pound Cake spares no calories to bring the true taste of pound cake to your kitchen. Grandma’s Brownies pays tribute to our family’s addiction to chocolate. Aunt Mary’s Bread Pudding is the essential comfort food that goes well as a fancy dessert or a get well soon snack. I named it “Aunt Mary” because this is a favorite of my cousins’. These are almost verbatim from her recipe cards and much simpler than my own writing style. Since she only wrote them for herself she didn’t feel the need to include step-by-step instructions. I’ve supplied more detailed instructions to help you make these same delicious baked goods!
whipped nutella icing | EvinOK

Whipped Nutella Icing

We did it, folks! We’ve made it through September with the back-to-school madness, creche-itis, schedule adapting, post-summer let-down, and crazy weather. It’s time to celebrate and treat ourselves a little. And what three words sound better than… “whipped Nutella icing”? Maybe...