You may have noticed that it’s been radio silence over here for more than a week, but if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I’ve been waist deep in pie. SF Food wars Pie or Die took place over the weekend, and I was in my kitchen literally every spare moment of every day for the past couple of weeks.
I was set on developing a pie with flakiest crust imaginable, the sweetest honey mead caramel, bruléed nectarines from Blossom Bluff Orchards, and juicy sweet blackberries cooked in blackberry honey wine. I want to give a huge thanks to Driscoll’s Berries who donated their luscious organic blackberries for my pie. The berries are so rich in flavor, juicy, and sweet and the folks that work there are pretty darned sweet too.
Saturday morning, my darling friend Kimmie from Full Circle Adventures arrived from San Diego. I love Kimmie for this, you see, she just packed up and moved from San Francisco about two weeks ago. Kimmie is an amazing baker (and storyteller), she kept me calm in the kitchen during a series of setbacks and made this weekend more fun than I can tell you. You can follow Kimmie on Twitter and Facebook too for lots of cupcake talk, fun banter, and (if you were around last night) Mavs happiness.
I will bring you a full write up soon, and I will share with you, a pie crust recipe, that is the best I’ve ever made. Oh, and guess what… I developed it myself through trial and error using the basic 3-2-1 ratio (thanks Ruhlman), some advice from Kate McDermott about using King Arthur Flour because of it’s higher protein content, and a tip whispered in my ear—for which I’m sworn to secrecy from Chef John of Food Wishes. Just kidding, I’m totally not sworn to secrecy, and it’s on his website, but if you want my pie crust recipe along with the recipe for these, Honey You’re a Tart Mini Pies, you’ll have to wait until next week, because this Tart needs a good rest and a snuggle with her hubs and the Ruby Dog.
A big congratulations to Mary, this year’s winner of Pie or Die and all of the other winners. Also, thank you to Jeannie of SF Food Wars and all of the attendees and judges. I promise, more about pie wars is coming soon.
Would have loved to be there! I bet you all (including your tarts) were awesome! Can't wait to hear more details!
Aw thanks Ilke. We had a lot of fun. The pies were pretty tasty. I felt very happy with the results. These were my first American-style fruit pies.
YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOO DAMN CUTE!!! Look at the dress!!!! And your pics are fab!!!
My pics are fab? Really, thanks Tracy, that means a ton coming from you. And also, thanks for the cute comment. You know I love your style so…
What gorgeous photos! Your beautiful and tasty ingredients made beautiful and tasty pies!
Thanks Mary, likewise. Yum.
I licked the screen on my computer, but somehow, it just made matters worse! Great shots!
I hate it when that happens. What a mess. I've found myself in the same situation over at your hash house.
Absolutely beautiful…or really maybe adorable would be the word? I love the flavor combination and anxiously await your tip from John; because I know him well enough to know his sardonic side and can't wait for a 'real' tip!
What caught my eye first (as these things often do) was the name on the chalkboard. Visuals are nice but with a name like that…how could you go wrong? 🙂
Hi Barbara,
Isn't that chalkboard stunning? My best friend made it for me. We bought a vintage window at the salvage yard for $5 and then she worked her magic. I love having crafty friends. I will post my pie crust recipe next week sometime- including John's tip. He's definitely a huckster that one.
X
Everything about this post looks beautiful and delicious! It looks like the two of you had so much fun!
Chris,
We did, we had a blast. Hey, any chance I'll see you this weekend?
X
Love it. Love your dress, love the mini pies, LOVE blackberries. Girl, you do it all. Wish I could have been there to sample the goods. It all looks so fabulous.
Thanks, Lindsay, wish you'd have been here too. I hope to meet you soon, really really I do. XO
Uh, not only are you freaking cuuute, but those pies look delectable. Want. Now. I will SO be using your pie crust recipe.
I am really excited to share it with everyone and thanks for saying my pies and I are cute. Big hugs to you Emily. XO
Hi, Thanks for letting me know on foodbuzz about checking your post. It is fabulous! Your tarts look very impressive and I am saving the recipe!!!