Perfect Pie Crust

Thanks to Graphics Fairy for this lovely pie

Dear Sonja,

   On Thursday evening a friend and I took dinner to an older couple--older meaning they are of the generation who has a deep and abiding appreciation for skillfully made pie and layer cake. I took an apple crumble pie because I thought they'd enjoy it.  As everyone took their first bites I felt like I was 15 again, waiting for the verdict....  The conversation went from "crust like plywood," to "not flaky at all," to "doughy", everyone offering an animated opinion on what passes for pie crust.  And then someone said, "Not like this pie... this pie is wonderful, the crust is perfect." And they meant it. Oh blessed, wonderful relief!  It made my day.

All my best,
Kate





Brown bag dinner

Dear Cal,

  When my guest turned up an hour early for dinner the other evening I wasn't ready. All of the groceries were still in the brown paper bags sitting on the kitchen floor. (I'd been home for just a short time.)  So I offered her a chair by the fire, and I prepped my ingredients as I pulled each item from the bag.  Apparently not knowing what would happen next was quite entertaining. In the end the food was good and we talked for hours.  You should try it sometime--dinner theater breaks the ice and gets the conversation rolling!   Like you always say, "Sometimes you just have to grin and get on with it."  Good advice.

All my best,
Kate
  

In the thick of it

Dear Laurel,

   This week is like a grand houseparty for my family--a visitor from the other side of the world, two grown up kids back from far away, and the one who has been here all along leaving for England while everyone else is still here.  Even though Christmas Eve is still to come it feels like we must have passed it days ago--with good food, Grandpa's prayers at the table, games, and stories from all the worldwide experiences, everyday has been a high point.    The midnight Christmas Eve service will be the diamond in the crown, though, with songs of joy and quiet thanks for the Unspeakable Gift.  Wishing you the dearest of Christmas blessings~

All my best,
Kate

In the face of uncertainty

Apple Crisp in the making

Dear Friends,

  Now that it is dark and rainy again, and now that I've just come through a week with two funerals, life is looking somewhat diminished and certainly uncertain.  They in all their wisdom say that we should eat dessert first in the face of uncertainty.  I've changed my mind on that score and have decided that one of the best things you can do is to gather your friends around your table.  Comfort, conversation, company--it encourages the soul and strengthens bonds.  You'll feel better the next day, I promise.  Apple crisp tonight, pot roast in the slow cooker tomorrow morning, potatoes, carrots and salad after work.  Not hard.  Who cares if the mantel is dusty?  If it worries you, turn the lights down and light a few candles.

All my best,
Kate

Breakfast at midnight

Dear Cal,

You were right, that was us.  We were at Denny's eating breakfast in the middle of the night.  Don't know how it was in your family, but in mine the best listening and talking happens away from home. I don't understand it, but take a kid out in a car, or out to eat and it's like putting a quarter in the slot--the words, the tears, the ideas, the dreams, the fears, the silence, the laughter, it just comes pouring out.  It's worth way more than the price of gas, or coffee, or breakfast at midnight.  The pancakes weren't so good but the rest of it was.

All my best,
Kate