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Archive for August, 2010

Rustic Apple Pie or…

.. an Apple Crostata

Either way, I can't believe I've never made one of these before. This will easily become one of my go to desserts when  I need something simple and delicious. It might not be so pretty but it is yummy and quick!

I adapted the recipe from one of my favorite cooks, Ina Garten. My apples came from my neighbor's tree. They were extremely tart and I felt they needed to be tossed in sugar but  I didn't want to lose Ina's yummy topping on her apple crostata........ so I did both.

Apple Crostata

Make or purchase a pie crust. If you are making yours Ina's version includes a recipe.  I used a refrigerated pie crust. Flour a rolling pin and roll the pastry into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to a parchment lined or sprayed baking sheet.

The Filling

  • about 6 cups thinly sliced apples
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated or superfine sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

For the filling, peel, core, and slice the apples.  Toss the slices with the mixture.  Cover the dough with the apples  leaving a 2 inch border.

The Topping

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated or superfine sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

Combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and allspice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Pour into a bowl and rub it with your fingers until it starts holding together. Sprinkle evenly on the apples. Gently fold the border over the apples to enclose the dough, pleating it to make a circle.

Bake the crostata for 20 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Allow to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Back to School Ideas

Here is a Friday Flashback to help open the lines of communication with your child's teacher.  I can't believe that little boy below is now starting the eighth grade and stands taller than me. Wow, where does the time go?
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Summer vacation is over. My kids headed back to school today(well two out of three ain't bad). I sent them each with a little hand lotion or hand soap from Bath & Body Works for their new teachers and a note that said, "If I can give you a 'hand' this year, please don't hesitate to call me," and then included my home and cell number.

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I just think this is a great way to start the year and open the lines of communication. This is our first year to have a man teacher. I was going to fill a work glove with candy for him, but I decided that since he has a sink in his room he would still probably appreciate some hand soap.

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Here are some more Back To School Ideas.

Free Printable Sandwich or Treat Bag

Please skip on over to AlphaMom today to print your own sandwich bag. It is a fun way to send a note to school!

If you are looking for the flat white sacks (perfect for so many treats), I sell them at Sweet! Baking & Candy Making Supply. If you are worried about the sandwich drying out, place it in a glassine sack or wrap with plastic wrap and insert in the printed bag.

Watermelon Salad

Baby it is still hot outside! We are burning up here in Kansas. It is HOT! I can't bear to turn on the oven and I am craving cool things! I gave this watermelon salad a try and I am glad I did. As usual, Paula Deen rocks!

Watermelon Salad

(adapted from Paula Deen)

  • 8 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1 small Vidalia or other sweet mild onion thinly sliced
  • 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 2 - 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • mint sprigs for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Add in the chopped mint, taste, and adjust seasonings.

In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.


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