7/27/09

Almost Fair Time

Getting ready for the fair...I have been practicing many different recipes...This is my favorite so far.



French Silk Pie


I N G R E D I E N T S
1 pound Belgium Chocolate (dark, semi-sweet)
4 eggs
1 pound 7 ounces sweet butter (softened)
1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup toasted pecans (chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 baked graham cracker crust (recipe follows)

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Melt the chocolate with cream slowly in a double boiler. Meanwhile, whip the butter and sugar together in a mixer (DO NOT OVER WHIP) till just incorporated. Add eggs, whip again till just incorporated. Add chocolate mixture after chocolate is melted and still warm, stir by hand until smooth and the butter is completely melted. Then add vanilla and pecans, stir to incorporate and pour into a 10" springform pan lined with a graham cracker crust. Chill at least 6 hours or over night. Remove at least 2 hours before serving and serve at room temperature. This pie may be made 4 -5 days ahead but should be kept refrigerated.

Graham Cracker Crust
Makes one 10" crust

2-3 cups crushed graham crackers
4-6 ounces melted butter

Mix crumbs and butter together, press into a 10" springform pan and bake for 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

7/4/09

Happy Fourth Of July To ALL!!!

Here is a great Cherry Pie Recipe I have...What is better on the Fourth than a Cherry Pie...

Cherry Almond Pie


Ingredients:
2 cans (14 ounces each) pitted tart cherries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
Pastry for double-crust pie ((9 inches)
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
Additional sugar
Directions:
Drain cherries, reserving 1 cup juice. Set cherries aside. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt; gradually stir in reserved cherry juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in the butter, extracts and food coloring if desired. Fold in cherries. Cool slightly.
Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Pour filling into crust. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Trim, seal and flute edges. Brush lattice top with egg yolk. Sprinkle with additional sugar.
Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Hope everyone's Holiday is safe...Let's bake some pies