T h Corny A T G amIr R L

Thursday, November 16, 2006

a quick confession

I didn't enter the apple pie contest. I told Big J I had a headache and didn't feel like baking; I told a friend I just didn't have time; and finally I confessed to my best girlfriend that I just couldn't bring myself to do it. She completely understood: My days are spent working on a major project on which I am going to be judged. Why would I want to be judged on something I am doing as a way to relax? Sometimes it takes an outside view to put everything in perspective.

However, I did make a pie the next week and it was really yummy. The secret? Macerate the apples in sugar and spices for up to three hours, then reduce the resulting juices with butter to approximately 1/3 - 1/2 cup. This will result in a deeper more complex syrup, and prevent soggy crust. Also, make sure you use the lowest rack in the oven and set the pie on a pre-heated baking stone. Finally, allow the pie to rest at least four hours before slicing.


Bon appetit!

1 comment:

Wild Cayuse Creek said...

"Why would I want to be judged on something I am doing as a way to relax?"

I understand this so well. I recently did the same with a little thing at the art gallery, telling one person I was too busy to get things ready for submission, while telling another that I ran out of time to do it. The truth is, I just wasn't wanting to put myself out there, at that given moment.

Because photography is my way of relaxation.

So I completely understand. And I am glad I'm not the only one.