Pie Makes Everything Better

Sometimes life calls for pie, lots and lots of pie. Last Friday, I was laid off from my job. It's unfortunate, but I'm taking it as motivation to move on to something bigger and better. When I came home, I told my husband, "I want to make a pie tonight, and I want to eat the whole thing." I didn't make it quite that far -- a piece or two was enough to make the world seem like a happier place. It's the little things.

My mom found this recipe years ago in an issue of Bon Appetit. It comes from the Double Musky Inn, a Cajun-style restaurant in Alaska. Love that. The crust is rather unusual (saltines?!), but tasty and a nice contrast to the decadent chocolate filling. It's a good one.

Double Musky Pie
Recipe courtesy of Double Musky Inn

Crust
3 egg whites, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
30 saltine crackers, ground to fine crumbs
1 cup of chopped pecans

Filling
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla

For crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter glass deep dish pie plate. Using electric mixer, beat whites with cream of tartar and salt in large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Fold in cracker crumbs and pecans. Spoon into prepared pie plate, spreading up sides. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Press down gently against bottom and sides to form a well.

For filling: Melt butter and chocolate. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly, but do not allow chocolate mixture to set. Beat eggs and sugar in medium bowl using electric mixer until slowly dissolving ribbon forms when beaters are lifted, about 3 minutes. Add flour and beat until smooth. Add chocolate mixture and vanilla and beat 1 minute. Pour into crust. Bake until set, about 35 minutes.

Off the Scuff

A scuff mark on a pair of patent leather shoes just about ruins them in my mind. But after hunting around online, I've found a solution. Yesterday, I rubbed a little non-acetone nail polish remover on my marred patent leather flats with a cotton ball, and the scuff mark came right off. When you're done, just wipe the spot with a damp cloth to ensure you get rid of any residue. Some people have said that using nail polish remover also took the shine off their shoes, so try it out on a small area first. But it worked for me, my coral patent flats are shiny and scuff-free again.

Summer Sweets: Caramelized Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet

This dessert combines three of my food loves: pineapple, coconut and brown sugar. It's rich, yummy and fast -- perfect for a weeknight sweet fix.

Caramelized Pineapple With Coconut Sorbet
Recipe courtesy of Real Simple

Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 pineapple, cored and cut into 8 half-moons (or 4 canned pineapple rings, cut in half)
1 pint coconut sorbet

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, for 1 minute (the butter and sugar will remain separated). Add the pineapple and cook, swirling the pan, until the pineapple is tender and the sauce is smooth, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve the pineapple with the sorbet and drizzle with the sauce.

Time to Metal

This unique clock was featured on the Etsy home page today, and I've got to say I think it would make an inspired Father's Day gift. The Chicago-based shop is called MetalMedia, and all their items are hand-crafted from found objects, like bicycle parts, vintage film reels and kitchen utensils. Just picture the silverware clock hanging in your kitchen or the wrench design adding some style to a workshop. The clocks cost around $80, which is not so bad for a piece of one-of-a-kind, functional art. Time to go shopping.

Gifts for the Fly Girl ... or Guy

I'm back from Baltimore after a whirlwind wedding weekend that was absolutely lovely. But the part that's not so fun for me is flying. The relentless plane ride from the west to east coast and back again pushes me to the brink of insanity every time, so I'm always searching for solutions. My most recent find is Flight 001, a retailer that has six locations across the country and an online shop filled with luggage, gadgets and travel accessories. It's the perfect place to find a gift for the frequent flier. Next time I head to the airport, I might just have the Red Eye Pak and this silk pillow and mask set stowed in my carry-on.

Yet Another Weekend Wedding

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Lately my life has been something like wedding, work, wedding, work, wedding. I'm off to Baltimore tonight to perform bridesmaid duties for my dear friend in this dress, these shoes and these earrings, with this clutch in hand. All set!

Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair

I'm currently on a floral headband kick. They just give your whole look a cheery, whimsical touch and can simplify the challenge that is accessorizing. Anthropologie currently has quite a few to choose from -- different fabrics, colors, even different flowers. My accessories drawer may soon resemble a garden. I'm thinking about wearing the one above to a summer wedding, which is where I'm headed off to today. Have a great weekend!