We misplaced our pie weights, so we weren’t able to blind-bake (prebake) a frozen pie crust. We decided to try this recipe, which calls for a frozen crust: https://startcooking.com/pumpkin-pie-for-beginners. Our modifications: first, we placed a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet in the oven before preheating to 425. Second, in lieu of 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice,…… Continue reading Simple pumpkin pie with a frozen crust
Tag: fruit
Easy banana chocolate chip bread
We had three overripe bananas, so we decided to try this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/ Our modifications: first, we used 1/2 cup white sugar. Second, after folding in the flour, we added 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. (Oct. 2025)
Applesauce Pumpkin Bread
We craved pumpkin bread but wanted a healthier option, so we tried this recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/230579/applesauce-pumpkin-bread/ This recipe uses applesauce instead of oil. Our modifications: first, we used unsalted butter to grease two standard loaf pans. Second, we reduced the white sugar to 1.5 cups (from 2 cups) and utilized unsweetened applesauce. For the pumpkin puree,…… Continue reading Applesauce Pumpkin Bread
Banana pancakes, shortcut style
We are on a restricted diet that cuts out whole grains and fresh fruit. So, we gave into our cravings and made this shortcut recipe using a boxed mix (Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix) and a ripe banana: https://www.loulougirls.com/krusteaz-banana-pancakes/ It was easy and tasty, with a subtle banana taste. (Nov. 2024)
Small batch mixed berry and grape jam
We buy fresh fruit every week, mainly for breakfast and afternoon snacks. We ended up having 1 lb strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1 cup black seedless grapes leftover, so we decided to try this recipe: https://kickassbaker.com/mixed-berry-jam/ Our modifications: first, we reduced sugar to 1/4 cup. Second, we found the jam was ready in about…… Continue reading Small batch mixed berry and grape jam
Apple crumble
It’s apple season, and we decided to make a crumble: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018638-apple-crumble?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We halved the recipe (see Note below) and used a deep, slightly wide 8×8″ dark blue baking dish. We followed the recommendation to use a variety of tart apples; we used 1 of each: Pink Lady (Cripps Pink), Cosmic Crisp, Macintosh, and Granny Smith.…… Continue reading Apple crumble
Simple summer melon salad
We are still at the beach. A local olive oil merchant recommended this simple recipe: peel and cut cantaloupe and watermelon into bite-sized pieces, then drizzle with peach-infused white balsamic vinegar and basil-infused olive oil (in a 4:3 ratio). Lightly toss, then serve. This was refreshing and delicious. If we were home with our full… Continue reading Simple summer melon salad
White sangria
For our first outdoor grilling event this sunmer, we decided to make white sangria. We discovered a wide range of recipes, and we loosely followed this one: https://www.thespruceeats.com/simple-white-wine-sangria-recipe-3511043 We combined the following: 1 standard bottle (750 ml) Spanish white wine, 1/4 cup brandy, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup superfine sugar, and 3.5 cups fresh… Continue reading White sangria
Simple fig freezer jam
We had about 16 fresh figs left from our friends’ harvest, so we tried this recipe: https://goodiegodmother.com/fresh-fig-freezer-jam/ We used 1/3 c honey as the sweetener. We also found that we needed to simmer the mixture longer (about 45 mins) to reduce to the right texture. (Sept. 2022)
Savory fig jam
Our good friends Steve and Andrea generously gave us about 4 lb of figs harvested from their fig tree. We tried this chutney-like recipe: https://pastrychefonline.com/savory-fig-jam/ In terms of proportions, we used: 3 dry cups fresh, ripe green figs (see Note); 6 palm sugar lumps (called "small cubes" even though they are shaped like half-globes), and… Continue reading Savory fig jam
Cooking Adventures 