No swimming allowed

Never Fail Pie Crust

I remember mom teaching Meg and I about pie crusts during the prep for one Thanksgiving. Meg's turned out beautifully. Mine...not so much. It was enough of a disaster that I didn't even attempt another one until last summer. I didn't have a recipe on hand, and my husband was on the phone with his mom while I was whining about wanting to make a pie. She kindly provided the following recipe at his request:

Never Fail Pie Crust
(makes 2 crusts, and is also proven to discourage viola jokes)

2 1/2 c flour
1 t salt
up to 1 c shortening (I start at 2/3 c and have never gone over 3/4 c)


1 egg, whipped
1 T vinegar
1/4 c water

Mix dry ingredients together, then mix in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine wet ingredients, then add to dry. Divide dough into two equal balls.

Roll crusts out between two sheets of lightly floured wax paper (I know you are tempted to skip this step, but it really does turn out better if it is observed). Scatter a few drops of water on the countertop before you put the bottom paper down to prevent slippage.

This is my mother-in-law's only pie crust recipe and, true to its name, I have never failed (at least in the crust department) whilst trusting to it.

If you need some inspiration to fill your pie crust, may I suggest this delicious peach pie filling. I recommend subbing lime juice for the lemon, omitting the nutmeg altogether, and adding 1 t ginger instead. Yum!

I'm serious.

Why do violists stand for long periods outside people's houses?
They can't find the key and they don't know when to come in.

Dead?

I think everyone should post something this week. Or I'll start telling viola jokes.

Arrietty

Dill pickle rag

It's a real song from 1906. You can see the music here. Almost it makes me want to play the piano again.

babies and moral cognizance?

Crustless spinach quiche

Crustless spinach quiche (about $2.40)

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped (20¢)
• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach ($1)
• 5 eggs (50¢)
• 1–2 cups shredded cheese (70¢)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• pepper 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Saute onion in oil (optional).
3. Thaw and drain spinach.
4. Beat eggs well. Add salt, pepper, cheese, onions, and spinach. (If you're using a very salty cheese, use less salt.)
5. Pour into greased pie pan and bake about 30 minutes, until set. Let sit about 10 minutes before serving.

I usually leave out the onion because I'm lazy. This is one of the easiest meals ever.

Cheap meals

Since we're mostly skinflints, I thought it would be fun to share some cheap meals. You can include a cost breakdown if you like. I'm estimating.

Here's a start:

Black bean and rice salad (about $4.60)

Salad Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 cup rice (~30¢)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 cans black beans ($1.20 for 2)
• 1/2 onion, chopped (10¢)
• 1 pepper, chopped (80¢)
• 1 cucumber, chopped (80¢)
• 1 can corn (60¢)
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (80¢)

Dressing ingredients

• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Saute rice in oil. Add 2 cups water and salt, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
3. Combine all ingredients.

Serves 6.

Let this be a lesson to you

Here's what happened to naughty little girls in 1911. From Slovenly Betsy.