Off Topic: Time for Pie

I am not a glamorous cook. Nonetheless, I enjoy cooking for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.

However, with everything that's happened recently, I had decided not to cook today, but yesterday at the last minute, I changed my mind and headed to the store for the few items I would need for what will be the smallest holiday meal I've ever produced: dinner for two for my son and I.

By far, my favorite holiday item to whip up is pie! I'll add that my son's favorite holiday item to consume is also pie. Sure, the turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy are delicious, but the peak of the day is without a doubt my favorite pie filling baked perfectly within a light and flaky crust coupled with a cold, tall glass of milk.

It is the crust that makes the pie, by the way, in case you were wondering. Think about it - a great filling baked into a chewy and heavy crust just doesn't work. Ever seen a dessert plate with the entire crust still on the plate, but the filling has been entirely eaten? However, a mediocre filling nestled within a perfect crust... well, that just might work. Of course, the goal is to have the perfect filling baked within the perfect crust, but if you're going to skimp, skimp on the filling not the crust!

It's easy to make a crust from scratch, it just takes a little practice. My mother taught me how to make one years ago and to this day I still marvel at the ease with which she can roll one out. I have to take it slow, but the result is just as good - a light, flaky and crisp crust every time. Okay, maybe not every time.

Depending on who you talk to will determine the exact "secret" to the perfect crust. I have mine and I'm sure you have yours. Send me a note if you want to compare!

In the meantime, I'm putting together the traditional dishes for our family and we'll top it all off later with the perfect pie. I hope your day has something perfect in it, too!