A Word of Warning and a New Weekly Feature

The internet sucks. No, not you my loyal reader(s?), you are lovely and wonderful. And your hair looks fantastic. Have you lost weight? The rest of the internet sucks, especially that part where the people trying to break into your Paypal account live. I got one of those bogus Paypal emails today. I didn't realize what it was until I clicked through and noticed the strange web address. I thought I was smart enough to not get sucked in by one of these emails, but I guess it happens to the best of us. I have since changed all my security information and I think we are safe. Of course, my Paypal account is tied to our main checking account, so if we get cleaned out I hope all of you will chip in and buy Hollis some milk.

Now, on to the fun stuff. Our new weekly feature: Mixed Up Mondays. Every Monday I will tell you about what I baked over the weekend. I hope some of you will join me as I work to improve my baking skills. Since it was Father's Day, we will start off with a pie. Because what says "I love you Dad" more than pie? I made a Derby Pie (also known as Kentucky Derby Pie, Chocolate Pecan Pie, etc) on Sunday with a homemade crust. I will admit right up front that I had to call in the reinforcements for the pie crusts, my Mom. The recipe for the crust is my Grandmother's and is affectionately known as a "Never Fail Pie Crust". Hummph. It tastes fine, but boy is it ugly. And crumbly. I did use a 50/50 whole wheat and white flour blend, so that may have been part of the problem but I think I am just not a good roller. And apparently I don't know how to pinch a pie crust. I used this filling recipe which was pretty good, but a little more gooey than I expected. I would recommend doubling (at least) the pecans. It was plenty good enough to eat though.


Never Fail Pie Crust
1c. Shortening
2c. Flour
1t. Salt
1T. Vinegar
1/3c. Milk

Cut shortening into flour and add salt.
Add vinegar to milk.
Combine at once with flour mixture.
Roll out on a well floured surface.
Makes 2 pie crusts