Apple Crumb Pie

Let me start out by saying, I am so glad it is a 3 day weekend!! Today after work, I indulged in Thai take out. Next I found myself asleep on the couch watching the Food Network. When I woke up, I had this horrid craving for Apple Crumb Pie. I was got up and decided to go buy an Apple Crumb Pie, why because it would be quicker and easier. Let me say this, I went to 3 markets in search of and came up with the zero, zilch, nada. This led me to turn to this recipe. This cute recipe was given to me by my Aunt Nancy, a.k.a, ANT, ANT-ie, Aunt Fane! This recipe is so simple and yet sooooo good. I was just in the dilemma of wanting now and not having to go through the time to make one although I knew it would be BETTER than store bought. Here is my assistant, a.k.a. supervisor of the kitchen to help me make my apple crumb pie! I did make a small alteration to this already perfect recipe. One thing was I used a little less sugar because the Gravenstein apples I used were already super sweet. The second thing I changed was I added a generous handful of walnuts to the crumb topping recipe. I was hoping to add pecans but realized I was out. Perfectly baked!

OK, now have you ever tried Haagan-Dazs five ice cream? IF not, it is a must. They don't make more than a handful of flavors BUT the vanilla bean is heaven!!!! Made of only 5 ingredients.



Finally, the pie is ready now that it is accompanied by the ice cream! Well worth the work of making your own pie. Now I have left overs for the next few day! Enjoy~

Pizza Night

One of my favorite things to eat-PIZZA ! Tonight's variation was just from what I had on hand at home and sounded good. On my way home from work, I stopped at my favorite grocery store-Trader Joe's. I picked up the fresh pre-made whole wheat pizza dough in the cooler section. Yes, I said whole wheat. Don't knock it until you try it! Got to be somewhat healthy...right? In a small skillet I chopped onion, zucchini, and red bell pepper in EVOO. Then added in one clove of minced fresh garlic and a nice portion of cubed pancetta and finished cooking until the veggies were al dente. Meanwhile, after letting the pizza dough rise, I attempted to roll it out into a circle. Still need more practice with that! For my sauce, I always use tomato paste. I just love the tangy taste it gives to the pizza. I do season that with a little salt and Italian seasoning. Next I sprinkle an overly generous amount of shredded mozzarella. More the better, LOVE cheese! Then I distribute the cooked veggies evenly, add sliced kalamata olives and dabs of ricotta cheese. Then yes, I topped the pizza with a little sprinkle of MORE cheese.

Bake at 450 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Yummmy!

And don't forget the vino! Chardonnay was my choice tonight due to our HOT weather. Was debating even making pizza for dinner tonight because it is a hot day and didn't want to turn the oven on but it was WAY worth it!