Rain, rain go away!

Its been raining cats and dogs. I planted my vegetable garden last week and I'll bet I'm going to have to replant. Oh woe is me... Notice my husband is putting up fencing around the garden this year to keep out the deer.

This little end plot is all cool season crops; I got them in before the rains came. Onion, spinach, leeks, Swiss chard and turnip greens are doing well, as is asparagus.

Oh my poor corn....

Well, the rain did bring out this little guy. He's about 2 1/2 - 3" long and is swimming around in a puddle in my driveway. Very cute! The pictures are reversed but you get the idea.

Apple Pie 101

Everyone has their own favorite recipe for apple pie. I will share a few pointers from mine. First, use tart apples. I always use 6 or 7 large Granny Smith apples. Along with the juice from 1 whole lemon, I also use a combination of brown sugar and white. A sprinkling of cinnamon is a must. I also add flour as a thickening agent. Afterward, I dot the top of the pie with butter and finish with a top crust and voila! The recipe for the crust is listed under the pecan pie post but you can certainly use a pate brisee. I rarely ever measure when I'm baking etc., but if you would like the recipe for the pie filling, leave your email address and I'll send it to you.

Remember the Victory Gardens of old? Well, if you are too overwhelmed to create a vegetable garden, plant some fruit trees. Everyone has time for that. It won't be long before you have your own apple pies.