on making pie

While Grandma was here she took the opportunity to help Leah learn to make a pie. We all love pie and Grandma is really good at making them. The trick is perfecting the crust, learning to work it just enough without over doing it. If done right the result is a flaky, tasty, circle of goodness. As in general baking, the key is accurate measuring of the ingredients and a little bit of practice. And, an experienced coach guiding you through the steps. Choosing the filling is the hard part because, really, there are so many good things to put into a pie crust. In-season fruit is the best. In this particular pie, plump, sweet blueberries were the choice.

They measured and mixed and let the dough chill. Then they rolled and fit the dough in the pie pan. She was taught that working the ball of dough as little as possible is best. They filled it with blueberry goodness and laid the second layer of dough over the top. Experienced hands showed her the proper way to flute the edges, sealing it and insuring that it looked good too. Then into the oven for just the right amount of time to make it golden brown and lightly crispy. The finished product was delicious and she was very proud to have made her first pie. We are hoping she wants to practice a little more.

It is great to have people to teach and guide you through things that only time and experience can perfect. Grandma has made many pie's over the years and now Leah will keep close what was taught to her by skilled hands.

Yesterday, hard work and a lot of practice resulted in Leah having good luck with another kind of ball. The experience and support of another skilled teacher and coach(from Colorado) made an imprint on her that helped her through the process of volleyball try-outs at this new school. Having the ingredients to concentrate and play with confidence resulted in her making the team. In this case, working the ball hard got better results. She made the team and we are very happy for her.

Another sweet victory.