Monday, September 14, 2015

Pie Weather~










Pie Weather..the last 2 days have been pie weather..pouring,nesting,cozy home ,staying home days.

LEGGINGS..

I love seeing my neighbours gardens from our sunroom through the apple tree..I am up above so I can see.. in the gardens a huge hedge divides us..I am amazed at how that hedge has grown..we planted 2..one ordinary one that starts at the mid way down the side of our home to the back of the property..I found photos of when our family helped us plant these small small things..now Jacques trims it every year to keep it at maybe 10 ft..the one on that same side going toward the road..never needs trimmimg..it looks like Tuscany..I have not seen another one here..we lucked out..pyramids..perfections..long and lean.
Driving up the street..it makes me happy to see it...the white fence..the clematis..♥

I painted and made pies.. and pizzas..and took pictures..I can't get into my book!  Bah...

I am fond of that treasure box..Caroline gave it to me..soooo many years ago...she often found very cute Marjolein Bastin things..  some have survived..the indoor things..I had a few garden things that with the years..they just disintegrated..pretty metal sign..etc..

The box is specifically for treasures you find outside..I save the ones I like looking at..the box could be too full if I put everything in it..the background has faded with the years..
under glass..
I used to want Jacques to build me a treasure table..like this..  but wood base..coffee table size..then I guess I forgot about it..the idea still appeals to me.

The egg is not real..I snuck it out of an artificial nest that has 3 in the sunroom;)

The pie..

I made Ricardo's crust..but this time..subbed a bit of the butter for a bit of lard..not sure it made a difference..Ricardo's pie crust works for me.
Food processor..
Recipe is here..I have shared it before..
The pie..is one our daughter made for us many many years ago..it's really good..
I know I have probably shared too many apple pie recipes here..and maybe even this one..been so long I am starting to forget what I have posted..but you could eat it twice;)

La recette~

6 cups thinly sliced apples..peeled too;)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon or more to your liking~
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp butter
In a large mixing bwl toss apples with lemon juice.
Combine granulated sugar,br.sugar,flour,cinnamon and nutmeg Add apples and toss.Fill crust w/ this preparation.

Crumb crust

1/2 cup of sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
i tsp cardamom

Mix flour sugar..cut in butter add spices..put on top of pie..

I bake mine at 450 F for 10 minutes,then reduce to 350 for 40 add ..minutes..OR MORE..


My notes..

The original recipe adds cloves to the apple mixtue..I don't..
the crumb top..is my idea..I leave out extra cinnamon and nutmeg..there is enough in the pie..and add cardamom instead.
I love apple desserts w/ cardamom added.
I don't even eat it..but I am a taste tester.The only one.
Jacques adores pies..and jams..all things from his youth..

I added crust leaves around..and my pie took longer to bake..I wait until I see syrup forming and a pointy wood skewer slides into the middle of the pie to make sure the apples are cooked..These were Paula Reds..different apples bake at different times..
I had extra crust so I made 2 hand pies.Could have made a third but by then I had put the apples away etc..
Pies are a labor of love..
It's not an easy peasy chocolate cake..I am going to post one soon..So easy you won't believe it.
But a pie..looks like home to me.

This is another recipe that makes a home smell so good~
The pizza..I used Mario Batali's dough recipe this time w/ the wine..
roasted some wee tomatoes and used buffalo mozzarella.
I made a little bun in the middle because that was the pizza of my youth..Tevere's..and Marco's♥




64 comments:

  1. Both of your pies are so pretty Monique. We've had a cool spell here, was 41 this morning. An apple pie sounds like just the thing for dessert today. A hedge that reminds you of Tuscany....how wonderful. It would bring me a lot of joy too. I'm going to try to bring a little of Provence to our lanai this winter with some potted plants.

    Hope you have a lovely week ahead.
    Sam

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    1. Oh a little olive topiary..would be so pretty..a small lemon tree..lavender topiary..I can see it all now in you Fl lanai.:)
      Great idea Sam..that is chilly....chillier than here!

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  2. Your pie looks scrumpdillyishus, Monique. I always think you could be a food photographer for a magazine. So beautiful. I love the little treasure case. What a great idea that I may borrow. lol I love to discover a feather or two on my walks (just found two this morning) and I have quite a collection. I think of them as little gifts from the birds for feeding them. :) Your photos are beautiful and how pretty is your neighbour's property. Deb

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    1. Deb..my neighbour has beautiful gardens..she is English..and English gardener..we both enjoy it..talk over our fence..we have great neighbours.Lucky.
      Your husband could build you a beautiful tresure table for your new home:)

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  3. Beautiful post! Beautiful pie. Alas, I cannot make a pie crust yet--only the French versions. I think the fraisage of the French style is what helps me on those.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. I am sure you could:) They do make it look so easy..:) I know my frind Linda swears by the Martha Stewart one..I cannot imagine going wrong with Ina's:)

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  4. those heart pies are so cute and it all looks yummy and i love that nature box such a beautiful way to save special things you discover :)

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  5. Today is glorious here, sunny, cool, windy, hints of fall without too much chill. I LOVE everything about this post. The treasure box is so sweet, the pie is on the list of must make too.

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    1. Not glorious here..but I don't mind:)
      Pies are fun and creative..so many kinds!

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  6. Gorgeous. My treat for the day.

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    1. Thanks Pam..

      Must see what you have been reading..I am saving 2..but right now not batting a great average..

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  8. I write my comment again Monique ! Had some mistakes :)
    What lovely pie look beautiful ! I love the leaves!!
    And love all these beauty pictures !
    xo

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    1. I make mistakes all the time..you should see my typos Gloria..:)
      The leaves take so little time!!

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    2. Aw I know you are so sweet but I try to fix when I noticed :)
      Love the leaves I hope to make soon a pie with leaves :)
      Bizzz

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  9. It is a glorious day here!
    I have all the windows open...after a very wet weekend!
    I was thinking of making a fruit crisp today...
    Made chicken soup instead!
    Meatloaf in the oven....ahhhhh comfort food!
    I am sure your home smells divine EVERY day!
    Enjoy your week, Monique!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    Replies
    1. :)
      I just just visited you!
      I am sure yours smells pretty fantastic too;)

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    2. I just visited your friend Shel...what a lovely blog!
      Yes...I guess Miss V is a gardener...comes by it honestly!
      We will have her tomorrow...pool heater is on!!
      Enjoy your day!

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    3. She has a lovely life..

      Very very kind person!
      Have a ball with Miss V..

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    4. You are both precious..xx
      Your blog is lovely too Linda

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  10. I just saved an apple dessert that I'm dying to make and now this beautiful pie :) It was downright chilly here this past weekend but a picture perfect day today. I love your treasure chest with things you love♥ The sea in a treasure box. Your roasted tomatoes look like a painting - with splatters ;) We golfed with friends last weekend, dinner here afterward. She brought a wonderful pie that I will make and share one day if this whirlwind end-of-summer ends. Gorgeous photo of your neighbor's garden through the branches laden with red! xo

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    1. You know..I was going to write..that I was reminded of Ronelle's splatters.. even when I took the pic..that's what those splatters said to me:)..and thought..you keep repeating yourself..and I do:(

      I have done that all my life..I am sure my girls tune me out some times:)

      She has a gorgeous garden..s..and I canot wait to see your new apple dessert..
      I was not in any apple mood until the weather turned..

      supposed to be nice the next few days:)
      xx

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  11. Monique,
    Love this post! Wish we would get some rain in San Diego. The weather forecast is rain Tuesday, Wednesday. I hope so, I'm so tired of the humidity and air conditioner. Our garden needs it so bad. Your pie looks like a work of art! Awesome Photography!! The glass treasure box is a wonderful way to display your outdoor findings, love the pretty shells! I have to try Mario Batali's pizza dough recipe, I love him!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. I met him♥
      Sounds so braggy..but I did and he was sooo nice..on the street..in Brooklyn..he was with one of his sons..I was w/ my 2 daughters..he was funny and chaming and nice..
      Your gardens are so lush!!
      You put mine to shame always.

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  12. The pies and pizza look and sound wonderful. Thank you so much for the pie recipe. Your pictures are so pretty - great job. Thanks so much for sharing them.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Mary

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  13. Monique, your treasure box is enchanting. It reminds me of a Sarah Lugg collage. Do you know her work? She is English, but no longer producing for the open market. Or at least I don't think she is. I miss her beautiful work.
    The pies are calling my name. The weather is cooler here and a pie would be perfect. ;-)

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    1. I don't think I am familiar with her work..I will be Googling for certain Sarah!

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  14. Hi Monique,

    Seeing your beautiful photo, I guess that it must be getting slightly cooler at the other side of your world. Stay warm and I'm sure you will enjoy the baking at home :)

    It was warm and summery yesterday in Melbourne and now it is back to its cool wintery weather... still kind of unsettled for our Spring season.

    Zoe

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    1. A touch cooler..bt today the sun is shining and the day will be beautiful..It alawys seems to me summer lasts one month..;)
      when in effect May June July Aug Sept and October are beautiful here.
      Australia..must be absolutely beautiful.

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  15. Bonjour ma chère Nana,

    Mes yeux pétillent en admirant tes belles photos et j'ai l'eau à la bouche en apercevant tes gâteaux ! Les gâteaux du bonheur...
    Je te remercie pour le partage de la recette.

    Tes petits trésors sous verre sont très délicats et remplis de souvenirs.

    Gros bisous ♡

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  16. Gorgeous..all of it.
    So many ideas to "steal" from you..
    I just had a pizza oven room added and trying my hand at pizzas too..
    Love the "memory box" ..I would love something like that for the wedding treasures from last year.

    Thank you Monique...so enjoying popping into my favourite blog again.

    Shel

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    1. That is what I had ..Caroline gave me the box..she was married etc..then Mylène married and I puts pecial things..of the wedding..then I just changed it all up..w/ nature.
      GREAT idea Shel..
      and I hate to say this but I have oven envy♥

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    2. Oh you are so sweet..I'm in love with it..going to try some bread too later..when time allows.
      I love that box
      xx

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    3. I think I would be baking up a storm..what a great idea you had.

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  17. Your pie is a work of art. I know it must have taken a long time to make those pretty leaves. Can hardly wait to see the hedges in Tuscany. We leave Thursday.

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  18. Enchanting boxes filled with treasures - what is it that brings out the child still in us about them? So, so pretty. And can't wait to try your apple pie recipe, even being a little under the weather.....

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    1. Oh no:(
      Little treasures..the best..I think I feel like being a child again..hope someone is nurturing you..

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  19. Had some free time and scrolled through the blogs and voila, pie. I thought scones would be my last meal, but I'm certain it would be pie. Such a beauty. I have been trying to read A Spool Of Blue Thread and am having trouble getting into it. Too much on my mind I guess. I have found treasures around the house too. I just love them, though after packing up the house, I am tempted to throw everything away. Good to see your post.

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    1. You are constantly making me smile through your hard work and references to our "things"..I know I know..

      And I know what will happen one day..garage sale..bins..goodwill..garbage:)
      Although Noah seems to get a kick out of things.. they came for a visit and Mylène wanted to show Noah a photo of grandad when he looked like Elvis..I went through my Hope Chest (Capitals cause it was my mom's)..and the stockings came out first..then he saw the other things..and stayed interested:)♥
      So who knows..maybe someone will "colelc"..or keep a few shrine boxes..;)

      I read A Spool Of Blue Thread..I just went to check how many stars I gave it..thank goodness for Goodreads..for some reason I gave it a 2..but I am TOUGH on books..

      quite tough..:)

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  20. Love, love, love your pictures!!!
    What book couldn't you get into?
    You usually pick them well?

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  21. The Silkworm..and now Paying Guests...

    I'll keep plugging away at PG..not 100 pages yet and still 17 days left..
    but The Silkworm..page 167 and like 3 days left.so that's going back..JK Rowlings..pseudonym she usesis Robert Galbraith....one is over 700 pages the other 800..

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  22. There is nothing like a good homemade apple pie. The aroma fills the house with lovely smells. Your pies are so pretty. My husband would love the homemade pizza. Roasted tomatoes add so much flavor. Love your treasured filled box. So many wonderful memories to remind you. Such a pleasure to visit Monique. Thank you for your sweet visit and thoughts.

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  23. Hi Monique, it is wonderful you have a box to store all of your treasures. I love rainy days too, I get to putter around which is my favorite thing to do. Your pies are so pretty, you have a way of making everything special. Take care!

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    1. I know..rain..equals no guilt about staying indoors..!
      I see you still have a couple of weeks before you leave..hope the summer was good to you.

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  24. Oh my, labor of love, photos of love, collection of love, as always, so pleasurable!

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    1. I have such a quiet life Arita that these things excite me.
      Even when. I worked..couldn't wait to get home..I loved my job..less at the end..but I always loved being home best of all.

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  25. I could go for a slice of that pie and some of those roasted tomatoes. A weekend of pie making and relaxing in cozy leggings sounds perfect.

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    1. I know you love all that!
      You are an amazing young baker/stylist/photographer..I still remember your wedding details:)

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  26. Love that treasure box and those coquina shells. I need a box like that. I just use my dining room table! But now I am yearning for apple pie. It won't be as pretty as yours, though. Thanks for your kind recs about my friend!

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  27. Gorgeous pie, especially love the little ones! But I also love the stack of books and notice on top you have a few Sarah Midda books. I love her and have never known anyone else to have her books!

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    1. I do have a few..3 I think..I love her..my first was In And Out Of The Garden;)
      Thanks!

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  28. The pie looks beautiful with the leaves. I love that sentiment - that a pie feels like home.
    Amalia
    xo

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  29. I love the photo from the window and the dripping hips. Also the treasure box, painting, etc. Oh and that Pie. It has Todd's name written all over it! Will be baking that for sure! Love and hugs. I, too, Love the sentiment that a pie feels like home. We are getting into pie days here also. Brrr... it's been cold. I am resisting putting on the heating! xoxo

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    1. When we visited Europe in 2009..there was a sign in one of the places we stayed..no heat on until Oc 1rst..we have not had it on yet..but the chimney sweep comes sat.. a hrabinger of things to arrive:)

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  30. Beautiful! A crumb topped apple pie is on my list! Your pie look fantastic. Love all your photos and the pie crust sounds so interesting with the sour cream / yogurt addition. I bet it was soft and lovely to roll out. Your photos are art!

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    1. Yours are Tricia..is it normal to always see others so much prettier?:)

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  31. Oh ces petits pies en coeurs ! De vrais trésors, à dévorer sans les mettre dans une boîte ! ;o) Je dois faire les mêmes, c'est sûr !
    Re-bises, il faut que j'aille travailler, maintenant ! ;o))

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