Pie Bake-Off Results

I hate it when I don't listen to Aaron.

Shhh. Don't tell him he was right. I should have made my lemon meringue tart, the one we both think is perfect - looks perfect, tastes perfect, is perfect. I made the rhubarb tart, but it tasted more like orange (on account of the orange juice and zest in it) than rhubarb. It was pretty though. But there's a story!
The coconut cream was awesome, but when the cream pies sit out in a kitchen for an hour before anyone gets to eat them, they aren't as good as if they've been chilled. Still, the best coconut cream ever! The crust is made out of crushed shortbread cookies, coconut and butter. Tasty! Far better than graham crackers in my book.
So, the story. I was about to make the crust for the coconut tart when I went looking for the tart pan. I have ones with removable bottoms, so I found the ring, but not the removable bottom. I tore the house apart looking for it. I know we'll find it someday (when we move!), but I needed it right away. So I walked over to Williams-Sonoma with Laurel (dangerous that WS is within walking distance for me) and got two new 9-inch tart pans. I debated on getting the non-stick variety - but they were more expensive and I'm so glad I didn't.
I took them up to the church with the outer ring still on because they transport so much better that way. When it came time to cut the tarts, Aaron just happened by the kitchen and witnessed someone stabbing at the rhubarb pie with a table knife. Now, I'm super gentle with those tart pans - I use a large chef knife and the others I have do not have many scratches on them. When we washed them off before going home, I could see and feel the scratches on them. Not happy.
And I didn't win. Not that I was expecting to win. But the girl who won, who is my neighbor and she made a key lime pie, decided that she should give me some constructive criticism on my tart. Said it needed to be chilled more, to set up more. I was gracious, I promise, and just agreed with her. Never mind that all the custard-y pies had softened (including hers) on account of sitting at room temperature for hours. But whatever.
I'm done with baking for church events. It's just been disastrous. Considering the effort I put into it, it's just not worth it.
I've said it before, but I long for the days and times when, for events like this, women put forth their best efforts, made their prettiest pies, best tasting ones. Now, it's a box of Jell-o pudding and some cool whip. Not kidding - that pie won second prize last night. I think the guys worked harder on their chilis! I just think things like this are worth your best efforts - not just something the kids can maul and eat.
And I'm glad I didn't buy non-stick. They would have been destroyed!

Pie Bake-Off @ Church

I'm entering the pie bake-off on the 21st at church. Not a great time of year to have one, if you ask me. So I'm doing the best I can with the fruit I know is in season and tasty.

My first entry will be a rhubarb lattice pie. I saw some gorgeous rhubarb at the store the other day - I have a bizarre love affair with rhubarb that has no explanation other than I love the name, love the color (at this time of year when it's completely red) and LOVE the taste.

The second entry is my coconut cream tart. Okay, not technically a pie, but it's round and it could be a pie. I'm just making it in a tart pan. Actually, the rhubarb one will be in a tart pan too. But, shhhhhh, don't tell on me!

I love making desserts. I love this coconut cream tart too. I just don't know if I should add a smidge of chocolate - like brushing a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before putting the filling in? I just might do it.

Marshmallows

I was on my fun date with Aaron and we always seem to end up at a book store. Not a shocker. I found a book. This book:

Seriously, how awesome is that! An entire book devoted to marshmallows. Strawberry mallows, caramel mallows, chocolate mallows. Making your own marshmallow fluff. This has totally derailed my Valentine's Day plans. I might make homemade mallows for my friends/family instead of cookies. And some cocoa. Mmmm. As cold as it's been here in Seattle, this would rock!

Did I buy it? Not yet. But I will. Don't worry. I wouldn't let you down like that!