Strawberry Glaze Pie Recipe

I love looking through my Momma's old cookbooks.  They're like time capsules.  Our old address and phone number written in the inside covers - along with my Momma's name {always written in the traditional fashion of Mrs. James A. P...}.  Receipts, recipes from the electric cooperative newsletter, a list of tips entitled "Are Your Kids Driving You Crazy" {LOL!}.

But, I went looking for a strawberry dessert to satisfy the wishes of the Mr. and the kids.  I found this Strawberry Glaze Pie recipe submitted by Mrs. Henry Lustgarten from Wilmette, IL.  The recipe is from the cookbook, "Favorite Recipes of America:  Desserts" copyright 1966.

1 1/2 quart fresh strawberries
1 9-in pie shell {deep dish}, baked according to package directions
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
red food coloring {optional}

Wash, drain and hull strawberries.  Place 1 quart of berries in baked and cooled pastry shell.  Crush remaining berries {while the original recipe says "crush", you really need to puree the strawberries in order to make the glaze}.  Combine pureed berries with water, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.  Boil for 2 minutes or until clear.  Add butter and enough food coloring to give a bright red color {I found the food coloring was not needed}.  Spoon glaze {slightly cooled} over berries in pie shell, making sure that all berries are covered.  Cool {in refrigerator until set}  Cover with whipped cream before serving.

Mary Ellen note:  Some of my glaze did not make it all the way to the bottom layer of fresh berries, though that did not in anyway diminish the taste!  Next time, I will probably add a layer of glaze to the bottom of the cooled pie shell before adding the fresh berries.  Or maybe a layer of whipped cream.  Or both!  I don't think there's a wrong answer when it comes to strawberries and whipped cream LOL!  

Enjoy!

Mary Ellen    

Hello!...An Update

 

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It's been nearly two months since I've posted on this blog.  And well today seemed as good of a day as any to write something ;)  Last December, I wrote about losing my job of 12 years and quickly moving on to a new company.  I felt very blessed, especially in these current economic times, to have found a new job so quickly.  While it was indeed a blessing (more money than unemployment plus benefits), the job itself was not a good fit for me.  I discovered this fairly quickly - like Day 3 of my six-week training!  The company as a whole was great, the people even better, but the job itself was not a good fit.  As a working home keeper, family and home are my top priority.  Any job outside of the home has to not interfere with or impede my ability to take care of my family and home.  So, even though I had only been employed there for a very short period of time, moving on was the best course of action for me.

My Daddy always said, never quit a job before you've secured another one.  My husband also shares this mindset.  Though stressful, I continued to work while quietly looking for other opportunities.  After submitting many resumes and much prayer, I was offered and accepted a position with another organization at the beginning of this month!  Maybe I'm in a honeymoon phase right now, but this new job is wonderful!  My new coworkers have been so nice and welcoming.  The culture is casual yet professional.  The job itself is less stressful, better hours, shorter commute, more $$$ and it's secretarial work - my forte!  Most importantly, it allows me to keep the focus on my family without being consumed and distracted by the stresses of work.

For the first time in several months, all is well :)

Mary Ellen

ps.  When I'm not blogging, you can still find me on Twitter and Pinterest.

 

     

Stretching the Clothing Budget: Consignment Sales



As a working home keeper, earning two incomes does not mean spending two incomes!  We have a small, monthly cash allowance established to keep three growing children clothed.  One of my tools for stretching that allowance is consignment sales.  Recently, I shopped a new to me consignment sale in the area.  I always save my shopping for the last day of the sale, when most items are typically 50-75% off.  I also have the advantage of shopping for older children while most of the other shoppers are competing over infant/toddler clothing and accessories.

My game plan:  stick with the basics.  For the boys, I look for solid colors, simple patterns or plaids.  I avoid jeans and go for khakis (in navy blue, black or tan) and cords.  Polo shirts are always a good buy for a casual or semi-dressy look depending on the occasion. 





I love scoring uniform pants and shorts as they are durable.  But, look quite polished when ironed and creased. 

 

 



I keep my eyes out for bigger name brands (like my gone but not forgotten favorite, Talbots Kids), but also adore brands like Old Navy and Cherokee.  No character clothing -  unless it's an absolute favorite and $1 or less.  But, favorite sports teams are a buy (especially at a good price!).



 For girl's clothing:  pretty, sweet, feminine, age-appropriate and modest in length and neckline.  Nothing too dark in nature or too flashy.  No characters (though Ashleigh is beyond that age now).  But, always room for a little fun (like leopard print pajamas with pink trim and sparkly buttons!).  Plus, Daddy is always there to offer a discerning eye.  Giving the veto to anything he doesn't feel is appropriate or a good value.

I'm already excited for the Fall sale!

Mary Ellen          

A Different Kind of Floral Valentine's Day Gift

No roses this year.  But, there were flowers :)

A pretty set of floral dinnerware with a coordinating set in my favorite shade of blue. 

 

 

Threshold Haylee & Wellsbridge Aqua

 

 

Mary Ellen



Happy Birthday Clayton!

Last but not least, Clayton turned 9 years old on January 31st!

Snow Day!

Given the option to come into training late and review materials or stay at home and enjoy a snow day, I choose the latter - and better - option!

 The snow was too powdery for a snowman, but still fun nonetheless

My angels making snow angels

Reedy's gigantic snowball

Even Sheba Kitty braved the elements (briefly!)

The boys made snow pies

After fun in the snow, it was back inside for popcorn (our traditional snow day snack) and homemade hot chocolate

Snowflake decorated cupcakes {sort of - Ashleigh & I are still getting the hang of our new decorating pen!}

Cheers to snow day!

Mary Ellen

Happy Birthday Ashleigh!

Coupon Organization for the Working Home Keeper

 

 

Quick coupon organization tip for busy working home keepers:  instead of clipping, date coupon inserts and file away in plastic sleeves.  When creating your shopping list, just clip coupons as needed!  After years of couponing (with varying intensity), when I'm looking at the new sales for the week, I pretty much know which items may have corresponding coupons {max savings = store sales + coupons + double/triple promotion (if available in your area)}.  If you don't have time to create your own match-ups, there are tons of resources available.  All the work is done for you; just clip and shop!  A few of my favorites are Money Saving Mom, Southern Savers and local blogs like SmartShopper and  Centsible Saver.  And remember, couponing is not just about food.  I cook mostly from scratch, with a focus on local and/or organic/organically-grown.  I find couponing helpful for saving on non-food items like pet food, cleaning and health & beauty products.

 

Mary Ellen   



Happy Birthday Reed!