Parade of Pies

I love summer!  It is my favorite season of the year.  Why?  Because I love the sun and everything that goes with it, from swimming to fruit picking.  I love making pies from fresh picked fruit.  Here in Oregon, we are so blessed to have every type of fruit farm available for picking during the summer and fall.  I love it!  So here's a parade of fruit pies for some happy baking this summer. 

This Fresh Peach Pie will knock your socks off!  The filling is a cream cheese, whipped cream mixture topped by peachy delight!

This pie was my favorite growing up.  This Banana Cream Pie is unbeatable!

This Raspberry Cream Pie is now probably my favorite pie ever!  You can't eat just one piece. 



Mmmmm....Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with an Oatmeal Streusel Topping...need I say more?



This is the Blackberry Cream Pie, a knock off of the Raspberry Cream Pie!  A huge crowd pleaser!

Happy Baking!!!  Enjoy baking some delicious fruit pies!

Dill Dip

Most days of most weeks, I have the same dilemma.  What's the side dish gonna be?  I write out the menu plan for all our main dishes for the week, do all my grocery shopping, and feel all prepared, right?  Right? Wrong!!!  You'd think I'd learn, but I think my baby boy stole that "Things you should have learned by now" brain cell from me when he was born.  So every week, it's...What's the side dish going to be?  Granted it usually incorporates veggies so that narrows down the list.  But sometimes, I just don't want anymore plain ol' green beans or sauteed mushrooms which are my kids favorites.  I want somethin' for the momma!  I found this dill dip recipe from my mom and decided it was mommy night.  It was veggies and dip time.  Soooo simple, right?  But something we usually never have because the Chase-ter can't eat the hard veggies and the girly just licks off the dip and leaves the veggies.  This dip was delightful though.  I thoroughly enjoyed it even if the kids didn't. 

Dill Dip

Ingredients: 
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
2 Tablespoons parsley flakes
2 Tablespoons onion flakes
2 Tablespoons dill weed
1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Directions:
Mix all ingredients and chill for several hours or overnight to blend flavors. 

*You can use light mayo and light sour cream for this.  If you are serving a family of 4, I would half the recipe. 

Recipe Source:  Mi Mamacita

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Oatmeal Crumb Topping

There is nothing like a sweet, warm, fresh berry pie!  A la mode this little baby and you've got yourself a completely fantastic dessert.  This pie was so easy to make and tasted so, so good.  I just love rhubarb desserts!  So I do have a tip on using rhubarb that my mom gave me which I love.  Any of you had the problem with rhubarb being too crunchy or hard for the dessert after it is cooked?  Now, thanks to my mom, I always pre-cook the rhubarb before I put it in the pie or any dessert.  I cook it in the vegetable steamer in a pan for 6 minutes until it is softened.  I've found that if I do this, the rhubarb ends up soft and perfectly blended in with the dessert.  Ya know what I'm sayin'?  Cooking it before hand has been a perfect solution for me. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Oatmeal Crumb Topping

Ingredients:
Pre-cooked Pie Shell

Pie:
2 cups strawberries, sliced
3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1/4" pieces
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch

Topping:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons flour
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons oatmeal (any type but instant)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions: 
1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Fill a medium pot with a little bit of water (just enough to steam the rhubarb).  Place a vegetable steamer inside the pot.  Put sliced rhubarb in vegetable steamer, cover with lid, and steam rhubarb for 6 minutes or until tender. 

3.  In a large bowl, mix together the rhubarb, sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.  Mix until well blended.  Pour the filling into the pre-cooked pie crust. 

4.  Make the crumb topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the topping ingredients except the butter. Cut butter into mixture with a pastry blender or two butter knives until mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.  Spread the crumbs over the top of the pie filling. 

5.  Put foil around the edges of the pie crust so that the edges don't overcook.  Cook the pie on the center rack for 45-60 minutes at 400 or until the crumbs are a deep golden brown.  (My oven cooks hot and was done at 45 minutes maybe even less.)

6.  Now cut yourself a monstrous piece of warm pie, load it with ice cream, and enjoy!  ****Kimmy's disclaimer--Doing this everyday is not good for your diet.  There....now I've cautioned you. 

Recipe:  My little creation

Linked to:  Made it on Monday, Full Plate Thursday, Sweets for a Saturday

Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabobs

These kabobs were zesty and refreshing.  It seems a little loco to describe meat that way, but I thought the lemon marinade with this chicken made it just that.  It was really yummy.  The marinade was so simple to make too.  Definitely a great and easy dinner.  Serve it up with a side of marinated, grilled veggies and you have a perfect summer dish. 

Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.

Prepare a medium fire in a grill. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before use.

Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and discard the excess marinade. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the kabobs on the grill, cover, and cook until the chicken is opaque throughout, about 8-12 minutes, turning once or twice during cooking. Transfer to a warmed platter and serve immediately.  Makes about 4 skewers.

Recipe Source:  Annie's Eats

Linked to:  Made it on Monday, Full Plate Thursday

Raspberry Cream Pie

Seriously, I have NO will power to resist this pie.  Nope, none!  I will eat a piece of this pie everyday until it's done. (Maybe even more.) It is just absolutely delectable!  I usually only make it when we have people to share it with because if not, we end up eating it all ourselves.  And that's bad, because do you know where it truly ends up?  My back END!  The fresh raspberries with the filling just screams summer to me.  Okay, let's face it, this dessert is always screaming to me since it is probably my favorite pie ever!  The cream layer is really a vanilla custard type pudding mixed with whipping cream.  Making it a layer of heaven topped with a fresh raspberry glaze.  Divine!

Raspberry Cream Pie

Ingredients:
1 baked single pie crust
1 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
1 cups sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whipping cream
2 cups fresh raspberries
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:
Prepare and bake a single pie crust shell. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar and the salt; stir to mix well. Add 2-3 tablespoons milk to sugar/flour and stir to create a smooth paste; add remaining milk and stir to blend. Over medium heat, stirring constantly, cook pudding mixture until it begins to bubble; continue to cook 1 minute (mixture will be thick). Stirring egg yolks constantly, spoon a small amount pudding into beaten egg yolks. Pour egg yolks back into saucepan and stir well to mix. Return pan to heat and continue to cook until mixture thickens (very thick) do not allow to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool pudding.

Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Stir approximately 1/4 whip cream into cool pudding mixture; fold in remaining whipped cream; spoon pudding mixture into baked pie shell, cover and chill pie for at least 1/2 to 1 hour to partially set.

In a medium saucepan, crush berries with a potato masher; add 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch and water, mix well. Over medium heat, stirring, bring berries to a boil (berry glaze will be clear and thickened). Remove from heat and cool. Spoon berry glaze over pudding in pie shell. Refrigerate 2 hours to overnight to completely set. Garnish with an additional dollop of whipped cream, additional fresh berries and a mint leaf as desired. Makes 1 pie.

Recipe Source:  adapted from Summer's Recipes

Linked to:  Sweets for a Saturday

Grilled Potatoes

So I have a confession to make.  I had never grilled anything on a grill (minus the Georgey Foreman) until last week.  It was my first time grilling.  Can you believe it?  My hubs always grills for us.  But the last couple weeks, he has gotten home way too late, and I couldn't hold out for my grillin' to be done.  So I fired up our ol' grill, put on some goggles, grabbed the tongs, and headed out on a mission.  Meanwhile, the two kids are running amuck outside, inside, wherever, as I'm crazily trying to grill, keep them safe, and find some plates to put the finished product on.  (Whoever thinks to bring out clean plates?  I didn't!)  My conclusion:  Food on the grill cooks way fast and tastes way good.  I think I love it.  Now as a grill expert (wink, wink), I am always looking for new things to grill.  These potatoes were a great twist off the traditional french fry that's not going to clog your arteries with grease. (Although, they are drizzled with butter.  You've got to live a little.  Right?)  They are a great side dish for our Spiced Up California Burgers or my favorite Gourmet Burgers.

Grilled Potatoes

Ingredients:
Large Idaho or russet potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch slices
1/2 stick melted butter
1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows

Directions:
Preheat and grease grill. Boil potatoes in water for 6 minutes, until slightly cooked but raw in center. Strain potatoes in a colander. Place potato slices on grill. Using a pastry brush, apply butter and sprinkle each slice with House Seasoning. Grill potatoes slices for 4 to 5 minutes and flip slices, repeating with butter and House Seasoning. Cook until grilled through.

House Seasoning:
2 Tablespoons salt
1/2 Tablespoon black pepper
1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder

Combine ingredients in a small bowl.

Recipe Source: Paula Deen

Linked to:  Made it on Monday

Indoor S'mores

If you're havin' a hankerin' for a s'more, but don't want to break out the open flames, try these S'mores bars.  They're a delicious alternative and super easy to make.  The kiddos can help you make them and snitch a little on the side too! 

Indoor S’mores


Ingredients:
8 cups Golden Grahams Cereal (12 ounce box)
5 cups miniature marshmallows (10.5 ounce package)
1 ½ cups chocolate chips
5 tablespoons butter, cut in pieces
¼ cup light corn syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions:
1. Grease a 9x13 pan. Pour cereal into large bowl.
2. In a medium bowl, heat butter in microwave until melted; add marshmallows, chocolate chips and corn syrup. Continue heating in microwave until melted 1 ½ -2 minutes, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir in vanilla. (When I make these again, I will do this step in a sauce pan on the stove over medium heat stirring constantly until it is melted.)
3. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal; stir until coated. Place ½ of  this mixture in prepared pan. Then sprinkle with 1 cup marshmallows. Add remaining mixture, pressing down and top with remaining marshmallows.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour until firm. Cut into bars.

Recipe Source:  My SIL Elisabeth Merrill

Linked to:  Sweets for a Saturday, Made it on Monday, Sweet Treats Thursday

Spiced-Up California Burgers

By the time summer rolls around, all I want to do is grill, grill, grills.  For reals!  There is just something about that smoky, fresh, grill taste.  It makes everything taste better.  Food + Grill = Happiness for the Tastebuds and Drooling from the Neighbors.  Just the smell of someone grilling, makes me want to invite myself to their house.  I love it.  Since we are BARELY rolling into summer in the Pacific NW (Depressing, I know.  How's a Vegas girl supposed to live with no SUN?), we are finally trying out some new recipes.  These burgers are fabulous!  A perfect way to start our grillin' season.  For dessert with this, you have to try this Grilled Pineapple.  It is to die for or at least worth donating your liver for.

Spice-Up California Burgers

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
5 medium green onions, sliced (1/3 cup)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
4 slices pepper Jack cheese
4 hamburger buns
4 leaves romaine lettuce
4 slices tomato
1/2 cup French-fried onions

Directions:
1.  Heat gas or charcoal grill.  In large bowl, mix beef, green onions, salt and pepper.  Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. 

2.  Place patties on grill over medium-high heat.  Cover grill; cook 8 to 12 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160 degrees F.  Top each burger with 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce and 1 slice cheese.  Cover grill; cook about 30 seconds longer or until cheese begins to melt. 

3.  Remove burgers from grill; cover to keep warm.  Place buns, cut sides down on, on grill.  Cover grill; cook about 1 minute or until golden brown. 

4.  On bun bottoms, layer lettuce and tomato.  Top with burgers and French-fried onions.  Cover with bun tops. 

Recipe Source:  Betty Crocker's "Best Meal in Minutes"

Linked to:  Full Plate Thursday, Friday Potluck

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Growing up, I used to watch Disney's "Mickey and the Beanstalk" cartoon with my brother.  There's a song in the movie where Donald, Goofy, and Mickey sing, "Pancakes piled up 'til they reach the sky. I'm going to eat and eat and eat and eat and eat until I die."  Oh how we used to bellow that song at the top of our lungs.  But ya know, that is pretty much my motto with pancakes.  The more there are, the merrier I am.  I love pancakes.  I love whole wheats, buttermilks, flavored.  Any way you hand them to me, I'll  eat 'em.  They are one of my all time favorite foods evah!  I love to surprise my family with all sorts of new pancakes.  These new pancakes were DELISH!  I kept eating them all throughout the day.  These pair fabulously with maple syrup or just eat them plain.  Either way, they are a delicious way to start the day.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 cup oats
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
3/4 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. oil
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients.  Then add the wet ingredients and mix until the batter is moistened.  Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.  Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray.  Spoon batter (1/4 cup per pancake) onto the hot griddle.  When the pancake starts bubbling on one side and is lightly browned, flip to the other side.  Brown on other side.  Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.

Linked to:  Sweets for a Saturday, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Potluck Sunday, Sweet Treats Thursday, Sweet Indulgences Sunday, Made it on Monday