The first pies of Elsinore

[breakinglight11]

Yesterday turned out to be a nice evening. I helped Dave make stir fry, and we and David had Alex, Ernest, and Kindness over for dinner. It came out well, and I was proud of myself for remember that Ernest is a vegetarian, and so we made his separately from the chicken. Afterward, I set about making a pair of pumpkin pies. For some reason the crust came out unusually crumbly-- I don't know if I didn't use enough water, or if because I used a knife instead of a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening, or whatever --but it made it tough to roll out, and even tougher to put in the plate. Fortunately Ernest, who is apparently a fellow fan of pie, helped me with that part, and with the difficult task of carrying the flimsy disposable pie pans we used-- we need to buy real ones as soon as we find nice ones that aren't too expensive --full of sloshy unbaked pumpkin to the oven without spilling too much, or burning myself. Like most pie endeavors, it had made a ton of mess, so I scrubbed down the kitchen. Though I'm a bit worried about ending up having to do it myself all the time, I'm trying to encourage everybody to just do dishes when they see them in the sink regardless of whose they are by doing that myself. I kinda wish somebody had thought to offer to help me clean up, as I did bake the pies for everyone, but as long as it doesn't happen all the time, I don't mind finishing things up by myself once in a while. It was late by the time the pies were done, but they look beautiful, though I am a bit worried about how the crust came out. They're chilling in the fridge right now, for anyone who would like a slice to pop by today and have one. We've even got whipped cream. Of course, everyone in the house has first dibs, and I promised some to Ernest, Kindness, Alex, and Bernie.

Woke up earlier than I wanted to this morning, so I filled it with getting some chores done. Put away the clean dishes, threw in a load of laundry, and straightened up my room. When I feel like it I'll head over to the gym and do my weight routine. I'd also like to wander over to the school and check my mailbox to see if my first paycheck is there. Not sure if I'll be able to get into Usdan, but it's worth a shot. I haven't decided what to do with the rest of the day, but I'll think of something.
 
Jared should be getting home this weekend. God, it sucked not being able to talk to him. Five more days until he comes.

Comments

[zrealm.livejournal.com]

Usually if your crust is too crumbly, its a sign that there is not enough moisture in the dough (as adjusted for your location above or below sea level), temperature, humidity, etc.

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

That makes sense. It was pretty humid last night, I wonder if that made a difference.

[zrealm.livejournal.com]

Yea pie dough is very temperamental to how much moisture and when it gets it...

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

By the way-- do you make pie, or do any other kind of baking?

[zrealm.livejournal.com]

Yes - I have to do something when not running a LARP empire, going to work or sleeping right? :)

Didn't you see the 20lb brownie of doom at fotl?

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

That was YOUR creation? I am duly impressed with your ability to balance both the running of your larp empire AND the baking of monster snacks!

[zrealm.livejournal.com]

Yes, the 20lb brownie at Festival was in fact mine (well, mind, about 20lbs of ingredients, a tiered cake pan set, etc :)).

As for having the time, that I don't know :)

[morethings5.livejournal.com]

The First Pies of Elsinore would be a great band name.

[laurion]

Agreed with above; pastry cutters may be nice, but are in no way required for making proper crust.

As for cheap pie pans, you can try Christmas Tree Shop in Framingham, or China Fair in Newton.

[charoolz.livejournal.com]

Obviously, it's more humid because naming your place something like "Elsinore" just attracts dragons.