The Weekend Lens

This past weekend was a working-weekend for me.

Liz and I met up in Portland to talk business - retreats, classes, and different ways we can encourage people to tell their stories.

We met up with Kelly Rae for a bit of work mixed with fun and ended up out in Forest Grove at McMenamin's Grand Lodge for a vintage extravaganza called Plucky Maidens Junk Fest.

Today I'm feeling extra thankful for good friends, good business banter, and the chance to hang out in person vs. on the screen.

It was just what I needed.

Now I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving. I've got a busy couple of days before the holiday - meetings, appointments, regular work-stuff, cooking, etc. I know the next three days are going to fly by.

One thing on my list is that I need to make a couple pies. Any favorite pie recipes that you'd like to share?

Simon will want a chocolate pie of course and then I'm thinking about making two more. Maybe a cranberry-pear (it's been a few years since I made that one) or an apple and a pumpkin?

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47 thoughts

  1. Christine says…
    11/21/2011

    Glad you had a great weekend. My favorite pie recipe is the Kraft double layer pumpkin pie. This is a no bake pie with a cream cheese layer to die for.
    BTW...I was at BPS open house and saw your picture on the wall (John and Jessica too). Lovely.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. rebecca says…
    11/21/2011

    Another vote for Pioneer Woman's Caramel Apple Pie. BEST! EVAH! she has an easy perfect pie crust recipe too :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Kelly says…
    11/21/2011

    Hi Ali,

    My favorite pumpkin pie receipe is from Martha Stewart. It is her "Classic Pumpkin Pie" which I found in her magazine a few years ago. But the real secret is the crust and that is her Pate Brise receipe. It is a butter crust and it is to die for. To me it makes the pie so much better and more pastry like. My husband and I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Tere says…
    11/21/2011

    Ali, the top right self-portrait, you look so beautiful!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      11/22/2011

      Thank you - that was nice!

  5. Johanna says…
    11/22/2011

    Betty Crocker's apple pie is my childhood favorite: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/scrumptious-apple-pie/

    I leave out the salt for the filling and only use cinnamon (double quantity) - so easy and delicious. Pies are absolutely uncommon here in Germany and everyone who tried this was impressed - pumpkin
    pie is a bit too "exotic" for the common German palate. More for me then!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. sharongrey8 says…
    11/22/2011

    We really like Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.
    http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/?s=peanut+butter+pie

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Liz Ness says…
    11/22/2011

    What an awesome day (plus, I can imagine you, Liz, and Kelly hatching all sorts of wonderful, amazing plans together)!

    As for the treat, pecan pie is my favorite. Here's a recipe from Pioneer Woman that looks divine (mine's a little different, but I'm going to try hers this year): http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/pecan-pie/

    Also, Happy Thanksgiving to you an your family, my friend! I'll be counting you (and your mom) among my blessings for sure! =)

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  8. Jill Wendorf says…
    11/22/2011

    I have been following you for years so I am aware that Simon loves Star Wars etc. I got the Williams Sonoma catalog in the mail last night and saw they have star wars spatula's, cookie cutters, aprons. I thought I'd let you know because they are off the charts amazing. :) Have a nice holiday this week.

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  9. Sarah says…
    11/22/2011

    Sounds like a wonderful weekend. Looking forward to the retreat!! And just had to say you look beautiful in the top right photo!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jenny says…
    11/22/2011

    Neat story about the Libbey pie. My husband's uncle worked for Libbey's and they had a pumpkin pie making contest. She won. That's her recipe on the label and she never received a penny!

    My new favorite pumpkin is not a pie, but a pumpkin pie cake. If you get the Libbey pumpkin pie mix in a can, add 4 eggs, 1 can evaporated milk and pour into a greased 9x13 in pan. Pour a box spice mix over the top. Melt 1 stick of butter and pour over cake mix. Sometimes I add pecans before the butter. Bake at 350 for an hour. It's really good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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  11. Jenni Hufford says…
    11/22/2011

    hi ali! sounds like the best kid of weekend-- inspirational and refreshing! here is a link to our all-time favorite pie: apple buttermilk custard pie: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/warm-apple-buttermilk-custard-pie-10000000434581/ (and it's from cooking light so i some-what feel a little better about it).

    have a blessed thanksgiving. xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Michelle says…
    11/22/2011

    The red checkered Better Homes and Garden has a great Apple Crisp recipe. LOVE!!! I heap the apples in a 9x13 baker and atleast double the topping.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Marisa G says…
    11/22/2011

    I have a Pillsbury Baking cookbook, and all of the recipes that I have tried so far are amazing. You can't get the cookbook anymore, but a lot of the recipes are on their website. I make the "perfect apple pie" recipe from that cookbook. It's a simple recipe, but really yummy. Not too sweet, and the apples shine through. Also, a tip...use 2-3 different kinds of baking apples for an even better flavor. Here is the link to the recipe:
    http://www.pillsburybaking.com/recipes/details/2442/pies?categoryId=32
    I'll be making one tomorrow night at my mom's house! :-)

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Julie says…
    11/23/2011

    Hi Ali,
    Here's my tried and true pumpkin pie recipe that is a long time family favorite:

    http://julesdu.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/new-tradition-7-days-of-baking/

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Kathy says…
    11/23/2011

    Hi Ali, I've heard of you for so long and finally found your spot on the web! I'm looking forward to your annual Christmas Journal 25 days countdown that I've seen in a video recently. Your children are so adorable, I enjoyed seeing all your photos this morning. I don't have any fantastic recipes to share but I sure did enjoy reading all the posts above. Have a happy turkey day with your family and hope you get lots of R&R time in for yourself too!

    Kathy

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Eniko says…
    11/26/2011

    Ali, I posted a wonderful Rhubarb Pie recipe on my blog a while back -it's a winner! (Too late for this year's Thanksgiving, but never too late for pie!) http://enikodelisle.typepad.com/enikos-playhouse/2010/03/why-i-scrapbook.html

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