Appo pie

I've only made 4 pies in my life. First one I made, my ex-husband laughed at the crumbly crust and the next 3 were made from that stuff you buy at the store in the freezer section-WELL after he became my ex.

And then, my kids were diagnosed with celiac disease. So, pies became a thing of non-existence in our world. The fear of pie crusts from NORMAL flour was embedded deep within my soul. There was no way I was going to try to make a pie crust from a crumbly flour.

So then there's Don Juan.....he of the silent movie screen presence(really, I should call him Valentino for all his silence) a year ago, at the age of 4, Don Juan was finally learning to speak, after years of "Eh! A-ee-oh!"- Don Juan-ese for "Hey! Apple pie!"

 Last year, he popped  up in the kitchen, watched me for a minute while I made a pumpkin roll, and then blurted out "What cha makin' Mama?", only to squeal with delight upon being told what I was making and then wandering away.To hear him speak is truly a marvel.

So this year, I had no choice(being a sucker for my brown eyed, curly headed Silent Movie Star Curly Joe Don Juan when he is actually able to express a genuine, attainable desire verbally) when Don Juan begged "Mama! Please make me a appo pie! Want appo pie!" I cringed, and was certain he'd never ask for apple pie again, when the dry gluten free crust crumbled faster than my first from-scratch pie had.

So I was amazed when the gluten free pie crust listed in Carol Fenster's newest cook book rolled out and didn't crumble, lifted easily, molded well and shaped to the pie pan. I called a friend to tell her-because she and her family are gluten free and love making pies.

ME: T! I found the perfect gluten free pie crust!

T: Really??!! Can I have the recipe?

Don Juan: Appo pie! Where my appo pie?

Me: 1 cup Carol's blend

Don Juan: Appo pie! Oh appo pie! Where are you appo pie??!!

Me: 3/4 cup tapioca starch

T: She really uses a lot of tapioca starch, doesn't she?

Don Juan: Appo pie! Appo pie! Is it appo pie yet??!!

Me: Yes, she sure does. 1 cup potato starch

Don Juan: Appo pie! Appo pie!

The entire conversation was punctuated in this manner. And it just amused me to hear him sing song through the house about his 'appo pie'.

The pie came out of the oven. He spied his apple pie. He squealed with delight.

"It's a appo pie! Me wanna eat me appo pie now! Gotta wait to tomorrow for the appo pie! Cover my appo pie Mama! Love appo pie! Slurp! Appo pie mine all gone!"

His grammar is atrocious. His joy is infectious. The tears streaming down my face as I hear my boy use full sentences all the time are thankful.

Even if the crust crumbles, it'll be the best appo pie in the world, and I am certain, a new tradition for the holidays in our home.

Be a part of history

The 2010 Capitol Christmas tree came through our town today. I had no clue until a friend texted me. So, we loaded up and headed into town.

The tree is from the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It is 7 stories high, and is approximately 85 years old. They give it 65 gallons of water a day. 

The kids got to climb up to see it. For some reason, it reminded me of when the Liberty trains came through in 1976. I was 6 years old that summer. I found myself wondering today if my children(especially the younger ones) will remember this day. 

It's already lit. Don Juan wanted to touch it, but wasn't allowed. I was shocked at the military presence for a CHRISTMAS TREE. Has humanity sunk that low? That we have to guard a tree that will sit in front of the Capitol building?

Waiting in line to sign the banner.

Pickle somehow managed to escape the house with just this light weight jacket. I think this is the last picture I have of her actually smiling instead of shivering.

Cactus Jack puts his John Hancock on the banner.

The entire town turned out for the event. Hot cocoa, crowds of kids sitting on the courthouse steps, hugging friends, smiling, laughing. It actually choked me up to be there. I don't know how many of them thought about it, but they were part of history today. How much of our lives do we have a hand in history and we don't realize it?

It was a good morning. My kids loved it. Even Princess Crankenestein. As usual, she was Royalty.

Holiday traditions?

It's that time of year. We're approaching the holidays quickly. What do you do that you consider tradition?

Thanksgiving has become a mish-mash. We're starting some new things this year.
My Teenager requested deer roast instead of turkey, and a more 'traditional' meal, as in "pilgrim" traditional. That really surprised me, because she's always been the one to resist traditional family events or things. Perhaps being in the girls school has changed her perspective on things. So we'll be doing deer roast, potatoes, acorn squash and cranberry dishes-the salsa I posted already, and one that I just cannot live without at the holidays that my Mom makes-a cranberry jello, made with the pulp from fresh cranberries, cherry jello, celery and walnuts. Two pans for Mom and one for the rest of ya'll. :)

And I think that this year we will start the season off with a movie fest. What movies does your family prefer for the holidays?
We'll watch Christmas with the Kranks(based on John Grisham's Skipping Christmas)
White Christmas(can't leave out Danny Kay sing Sisters with Bing, now can we?)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles-I love Steve Martin!
Scrooged. I can't help it.
We've also got A Christmas Carol with both George C. Scott and Patrick Stewart. I prefer Stewart's version.

And we kick off the season reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It chokes me up every year.

So, what do you do to start the holiday season?