Thanksgiving Pie Post

I have Thanksgiving on my brain. This is a good thing because it is getting close to preparation time. I am not having a huge menu this year, but I am going to making almost everything from scratch instead of mixes and frozen pies. That is the plan. Doesn't mean it will happen, but for now, that is the plan. 

Today's mission was to find a great pie crust recipe. I have made great pie crusts, terrible ones, and many burnt ones. Last year, the pie crust ended up in the trash and I made a last minute run to the store for pre made crusts. I don't want a repeat of that this year, so I have been doing my pie crust homework. This means I headed to my favourite cooking blog Smitten Kitchen to see what pie making recipes and tips I could glean. 

The most important thing I learned from smitten kitchen and the other resources I researched was to keep the dough cold. I think this was my downfall last year. 

Butter or Shortening? That is the question.  What tastes better and what creates a flakier crust? It seems that the debate is a toss up. Some people swear by shortening and others do the same with butter. 

 or   

I think I used margarine last year. Gasp. This year, I thing I will use both and see which one comes out the winner. I doubt I will remember which one is better. I vote for the one I don't burn up in the oven.

A Yummy & Thankful November

I am loving this delightful fall weather and doing my best to slow down and enjoy November instead of jumping right into December planning. I must confess I have already grown tired of my Fall decor, so I though I would take time to post a few new ideas I have gathered for Thanksgiving decor and food. First stop.. food and fun for the kids.

Yes, that is right, cupcake tee-pees!  Click Here to find out how to make these cute cupcakes.

I actually made these little pilgrim hat's one year.  Super simple, just a cookie on bottom and then use icing to glue on a Reese's and  decorate. 

It would not be Thanksgiving with out a turkey and stuffing! Every year, I make an apple sausage stuffing. I don't have a real recipe any more, I just make it from memory. I did find this recipe which is close to what I do, except that I use mild breakfast sausage and corn bread from scratch.



I want to make a pumpkin cheese cake pecan pie of some kind. I have hunted down several versions and so far this one makes my mouth water the most!

 

Moving on to setting a lovely table, I must say I love this simple idea of using leaves to make place cards. I found this thankful idea Here.

This is a simple classy table scape I spotted on HGTV. As lovely as it is, I do tend to go with the vibrant autumn colours for my  table each year.