May 112010
 

 Ok…so I made two pies as my contribution to the Mother’s Day festivities. I headed into uncharted territory with this one but was keen to use up two packages of frozen rhubarb, so I forged ahead. After a quick online investigation into the handling of frozen rhubarb, I decided to thaw it and lightly squeeze out the excess water.

This pie took no time to whip together and got rave reviews from a skeptical audience (Yes, I saw the looks). Once again, I used Liberte Yogurt (this time Maple flavored) and cut the sugar down to a scant 1 cup. The results were very, very good. The last piece of pie (shown below) never made it to the fridge. I will make this pie again and am on the lookout for more rhubarb. Tis the season.

Rhubarb Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
3 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
1 1/2 cups of sliced strawberries
10″ unbaked pastry shell (I used tenderflake deep dish)

Topping
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cold butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, yogurt, rhubarb and strawberries. Spoon mixture into unbaked pie shell.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle on top of pie.

Bake for 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue baking for another 30 minutes.

Note: If you serve this pie hot or warm, the filling it will ooze everywhere. If you serve at room temperature or cold the filling sets nicely and cuts like a dream.

Recipe courtesy of the cookbook Aces (More Recipes from the Best of Bridge), page 183

May 102010
 

Publishing this picture is my punishment for not taking a decent picture of the park. Once I get one this will be replaced. I'm a weenie.

During one of our rare trips to Burnaby, we stumbled upon “park greatness”. Three adults and a toddler went looking for some outdoor amusement and there is was; Wesburn Park. A babbling brook with little bridge, mini community center (and I mean mini), wading pool, and a swell playground; just sitting there waiting for us with not another soul in sight.

Let the playing commence! Everyone took part in the playground festivities, which were a hoot! Even my Aunt, who’s in her 70’s, was going down the slide and jumping on the swings (Just so you know, Auntie looks at least 15 years  younger than her actual age, I hope I get some of those genes…hi AC, I know you’re reading this…lol).

There are 2 structures to play on, one for older kids and one for toddlers. Plus a car and horse that you can jump onto and ride via the “spring action” support. The yellow plastic tunnel was a big hit with our little guy, as was the slide.

This park is fun. We will definitely go back. I’d especially like to visit when the wading pool is open.

Wesburn Park Wading Pool & Park
Location: Moscrop & Patterson
Pool opens: July 2
M/T/Th/F 12noon-4pm
W 1-7pm

May 092010
 

Today, I made this recipe…again. It was a special request from my Mom (Happy Mother’s Day!), so how could I say no. Especially considering you only need 10 minutes and 3 ingredients (all of which I keep on hand in the cupboard for dessert emergencies).

I think my Mom likes this dessert because the light version tastes as good as the regular version. If you are calorie conscious use Light Jello and Light Cool Whip (I don’t recommend using the No Fat version as it effects the density of the pie). If you want to make  “your masterpiece” look fancier, I’d suggest moving the bought pie crust into one of your own pie plates before you start (why not?) and adding some  Cool Whip and fresh berries to the top of the plated slice of pie…tah DAH!

Pay attention when the recipe says to let the mixture cool in the fridge before piling it into the pie crust. If you forget about bowl of filling, you will be serving the pie out of the bowl (it sets pretty firmly). If you are the kind of person that burns things under “speed broil”, I’m talking to you…you know who you are…enough said.

Cool ‘N Easy Pie Recipe

Ingredients
2/3 cup boiling water
1 pkg. JELL-O Brand Strawberry Flavor Gelatin (4-serving size)
Ice cubes
1/2 cup cold water
1 tub (8oz) Cool Whip Topping, thawed
1 store bought pie crust (60z)

Directions

In a large bowl, stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix for 2 minutes until completely dissolved

Add enough ice to cold water to measure 1 cup. Add to gelatin; stir until slightly thickened. Remove any unmelted ice.

Add whipped topping; stir with wire whisk until well blended

Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is thick enough to mound

Spoon into crust

Refrigerate at least 4 hours until firm. Store leftovers in the fridge.

Note: I’ve used Strawberry and Raspberry Jello but I guess you could use any flavor.

Recipe courtesy of Kraft Foods