Behold, a cupcake for my little cupcake. Herein Lovey Loverpants showcases the labor of love, stitched by Auntie Haddy, inspired by Droolicious.
I cannot wait for that soft vernix-covered head to emerge so that I may don it with this crocheted cap, inspired by my favorite treat with a shelf life of forty-seven years.
Since our friend Jane tantalized us shared with us her family's beloved Cherry Party Pie, reserved in their home for Christmas morning, I have been dreaming about doing cannonball jumps off the side of an Olympic sized pool filled with deep layers of this sweet tart.
Jane shared the recipe with me and while I didn't make a total messipe out of it, I can't say mine was nearly as good. Lovey Loverpants went back for seconds today, so I can't resign myself as a complete pie replicating failure. I enjoyed my virgin roll-out in making my first pie crust. Thanks to Haddy for sharing her mum's fool-proof recipe. The process was time-consuming and pleasurable. I think I shall cringe anytime I see a pie being thrown haphazardly in the face of a clown, and envision the poor person who hand-rolled the crust.
I dare not share the precise details of this family formula. I can tell you that its main ingredients are: heavy cream, sour cherries, and a couple kinds of sugar. Bon apetit.
Lovely, but something's missing...
AHA! The cherry glaze.
Pie of the people...
...and maybe of the Pug.
Lovey and I will probably forevermore refer to this particular salad as "The Nicole Lake Wedding Salad" based on the sweet memory of our dear friend Nicole's nuptials where the cuisine was amazing, and the icing on the cake was a pinata. Literally. In lieu of a wedding cake, they had a pinata. This is what it looked like:
But back to the salad. This is a great little salad mix if you are having a dinner party, or having the 'rents over, or just want to liven up your lettuce.
The Nicole Lake Wedding Salad
1 bag spinach leaves and/or mixed greens
6-8 oz. goat cheese - best in "tube" container
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts or pecans (candied pecans work nicely if you are using a savory dressing)
Dress with raspberry vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette.
Rinse or salad-spin spinach. Make sure leaves are dry when you place into serving bowl. While goat cheese is still cold, slice into coin shapes and place atop lettuce. Sprinkle on cranberries, nuts. Serve portions and then dress so that ingredients do not get too limp or saturated.
Fortunately for you and me, The Trader Himself totally prepared it for us in a kit for under $5.
