A Blueberry Pie Experience

This was the first year I have ever spent the 4th of July at home. 

Growing up, my family always went camping with my mom's side of the family over the week of the 4th and had a fun celebration around the campfire or watching fireworks. And since I've been married, we've spent the day at my Husband's grandparents house celebrating with a big family-filled cook out. 

Yet this year, thanks to our busy traveling schedule and lack of funds, we spent the day at home. 

While I missed everyone and hope to jump back in to old traditions next year, it was really nice. 

And having hours to fill however we pleased I was able to decide to make a pie at the last minute! 

(We were being joined by some good friends for a little dinner cook-out that evening.) 

When deciding which pie to bake, I realized the most fruit I had were frozen blueberries and, since I had never even tasted a blueberry pie before and it seemed a patriotic choice, blueberry pie it was! 

(And after all that, I needed to buy more blueberries anyway... but it was worth it!) 

I found a simple recipe on-line here and made it my own! 

After measuring out the berries, I laid them out to dry.
I used 6 cups of berries instead of 4.

For the pie crust I used my favorite pie crust (adding only cinnamon & a little extra sugar). 

I also used frozen blueberries, so I rinsed them in warm water, drained them and laid them out to dry while I made the crust. 

I prepared the crust in the pan and prepared the top crust.
(Picture taken before I used small star cookie cutters for the shapes
this was done here before putting on top of full pie).

After preparing the crusts, I whisked together the rest of the filling ingredients to pour over the blueberries. 

I used 5 Tbsp of corn starch to ensure it stayed thick.

Once all of the filling was mixed, I filled the pan and covered it with the top crust and a few extra star shapes for a decorative look. Next, I brushed it with milk and sprinkled the top with sugar!

Placed on a baking sheet and with the edges covered, it's all ready to go in the oven! 

It came out beautifully! 

I was glad I made the decision to forego the lattice top crust and try something different, 

it felt much more appropriate for the holiday.

Everyone enjoyed it and I think I found my new favorite pie! 

Since I've made this I've been craving it and have almost baked another one about 3 times... 

unfortunately we haven't had any guest over and I just know I'd have no trouble eating it all myself! 

The pie was served about 2 hours after it came out of the oven. While it held its shape nicely, by the end of the evening there was no juice leaking out at all. This is a great pie to make a day ahead of time! 

A Baking Project: The Wedding Day! (Part 3)

What an exciting day! 

I got to celebrate my brother-in-law and new (absolutely amazing) sister-in-law tie the knot and present this months-long baking project. 

How cute did this turn out!?

The bride provided all the decorative pieces

(fabric, plates, cake stands, gumball machine, pictures etc.) 

and the table all came together beautifully! 

The day before the wedding things were going so smoothly I decided to add homemade rice krispies with a simple chocolate drizzle to the menu. You can see I also had made about 120 spritz butter cookies as a little something extra. To give the rice krispies a little something special, I cut them all before drizzling on the chocolate so that the sides would have chocolate and would break off when cut. 

The wedding was beautiful and a sweet testament to the love and personalities of the bride and groom. 

I was pleased and honored to be able to help them make their day perfect and unique! 

A Baking Project : Part 2

(Continued on from Part 1)

Check out the awesome photographer, Melissa, HERE! 

All ten pies ready to go on the morning of the wedding! 

The thawing (in the refrigerator overnight) went well and the baking went smoothly! 

I began baking two days before the wedding and served the pies at room temperature. 

The ten cheesecakes also gave me no trouble! 

These transported much easier as I had baked them all at home and froze them, packed them in a cooler and allowed them to thaw in the fridge (where they were stored until the wedding day). 

Wedding Decorating and Coordinating

This past fall I had the honor of planning and coordinating a wedding for two dear friends. 

It was even more enjoyable for me since both the ceremony and the reception were at the same church where my husband and I got married! 

The bride wanted a simple wedding at a low cost with a traditional and DIY blended look. 

Her theme colors were blue and silver. 

For the reception, they wanted a coffee/tea bar with simple desserts.

These included homemade white cupcakes with chocolate frosting, 

four different types of homemade scones, frosted marshmallow pops, chocolate dipped pretzel rods, 

and for the favors each guest could choose a unique mug to take home along with a chocolate dipped spoon.

The beverages served were green tea, english breakfast tea, raspberry tea, regular coffee and decaf coffee. 

I also created fabric flower boutonnieres for all the men in the wedding party and silver hair clips/corsages for all of the women. 

It was an absolute joy for me to help with this wedding and know that I was helping the bride enjoy her day. 

Being able to serve and encourage a friend while doing what I love is why I do all of this!

A Baking Project: Part 1

I have the immense pleasure of making the desserts for a very special wedding coming up this May. 

I have the task of baking 10 pies (4 apple, 3 pecan & 3 cherry), 10 cheesecakes (4 original, 3 raspberry almond & 3 chocolate peanut butter) and filling the left over gaps with cookies and brownies. 

This past weekend the bride & I met to make some headway on the pies and we were quite successful! 

All of the pies have been made and are currently frozen. I will bake them a day ahead of the wedding and they will be served at room temperature. 

I will post pictures of the actual event and share with you how the table is put together. 

This is a new type of event planning that I've taken part in but I am thoroughly enjoying it! 

The three cherry pies all ready to be put in the freezer!