Pie.

I got to thinking, I have never made an apple pie on my own.  I have had lovely experiences making pies with my mom and grandma, but it was time to give it a go.  The first order of business was to visit the apple guy at the farmers market.

 

 This farmers market, being located at the mill city ruins, is heavy in pie culture.  I did my best to absorb some.

The apple vendor had plenty of varieties, but my heart was set on the University of Minnesota's new variety Zestar.  It is an early season variety with great crunch.  It is definitely sweeter than the heirloom variety, Wealthy.  Despite various warnings of mixing apple varieties in pies (oh the horror!), I decided mine would have both.

After a visit with my mom for additional pie advice and a copy of my Grams proven pie crust recipe, I was on my own. 

I think I did pretty well!  I had to patch a few tears in the crust and nearly smoked us out of the house, but the pie was worth it.  Flaky crust with semi tart apples laced in cinnamon nutmeg and sugar.  Nothing wrong with that.

i like you.

It is getting to be that time of year again.  The air is getting cooler and leaves are beginning to crisp. For me it means a mad scramble to meet my self proclaimed knitting deadlines.  I am knitting everywhere!

I've been working on fingerless mitt pairs.  I hope to average one pair a day in September.  It is nice to use up bits of yarn and pick out buttons that suit each pair.

I hope to sell them at "i like you" in Minneapolis.  This place is adorable and features Minnesota artists.  Cross your fingers for me.