Goodbye 2012!

I thought I'd write one last post for 2012 before I head out to ring in the new year (low-key style) with some friends. I was able to cross off one more item on my list, by trying two more new recipes (pumpkin soup and stuffed chicken breasts) for a total of 12 new recipes this year. So that brings my successful completion of goals to nine out of twelve. That's not so bad, right? 

May your 2013 be filled with peace and joy... Happy New Year!

My First Pie

I found a recipe in my November issue of Better Homes and Gardens for a Caramel-Apple-Cherry-Cranberry Pie, and it sounded too good not to try. I don't normally have a lot of occassions for baking, though. If I just made all the recipes I see that sound good I'd end up eating them all myself and probably weigh about 500 pounds. Luckily, my friend Mindy has an annual Christmas party and I needed to bring either an appetizer or dessert, so it was a perfect chance to try the pie. Usually when I try new recipes I'm making them to take somewhere and/or serve to other people so I'm always nervous that it won't turn out right or taste good. And I do have to admit to two minor mistakes, one with the crust, and one ingredient I forgot to include. But I came up with a solution to the crust issue and I don't think the forgotten ingredient was crucial to the overall taste of the pie. So in spite of those little mess-ups, I'd call my first pie a success! It tastes delicious and I think it looks pretty good too, but you can be the judge of that.