Dutch Apple Pie

When Life Hands You Apples...

...Make Apple Pie!

I had occasion to share dessert tonight, and though I don't consider myself a baker, I found myself baking not one, but two pies I'd never tried before! The occasion didn't come to fruition as planned, but if that ever happens, invite friends over. You'll have no shortage of takers that's for sure! Glad I did. Instant party. This recipe is easy and delicious, but does take a little forethought.

Mead and Mushrooms

This year I resolved to go out with the sole purpose of meeting new people...something I personally find very difficult. A friend of mine told me about MeetUp.Com, a web-based listing of groups centered around the things they like...with the sole purpose of meeting new people that like what they like. It doesn't sound hard, right? My goal: join one group and attend one activity in January. They have thousands of groups to choose from, like hiking groups, German culture groups, groups that go to movies, drink wine, you name it. I typed in "Irish"...whoa what a listing! And as luck would have it, they had a Mead Bottling night. Now that sounds interesting and definitely something I've never done. I just needed to bring 4 empty Grolsch bottles (darn) and an appetizer...what to make? 

Winter White Chili

Happy New Year!

Once again, on New Year's Eve, I was to forgo any magnificent parties and revelry, to instead, prepare my "Winter White Chili" for the La Jolla Cove Swim Club's annual Polar Bear Plunge and Chili Potluck. I created this recipe 2yrs ago for this event and it was a hit once again this year.

Note to self: hold out a little extra for when I finish my swim...there was nothing left again this year! You see some swim 1-2miles and some just dip their big toe in the big blue..."to the victors go the spoils!" Because the club Big Chill Winter Swim Program affords double mile points on event days, I take full advantage. I swam to the Cove and back (2.0mi x2 = 4.0mi)...no hot food or drink for me (at least until I got home)!