Summer Goal #5: Officially Complete
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4.
5.
6. Disneyland!!!!
July 9, 2010
Summer Goal #5
Ahh, painting my room. I must admit that I accomplished this during the 2nd week of vacation, but I just couldn't find my camera cable to load the pictures. But here it is now! I'm not going to include an extensive break down, just a bunch of pictures. Anyway, I decided to paint my room because I realized that the original shade of blue was one that an 8yo would have picked if they got to have a blue room. So I went for a slightly darker and grayer blue, one that would compliment my new bedding a little better! So here it is:
Before:
During:
After:
Summer Goal #5: Officially Complete
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.Gather Courage to Chop of Hair
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4.Make a Homemade Apple Pie : YUM
5.Paint Bedroom
6. Disneyland!!!!
Summer Goal #5: Officially Complete
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4.
5.
6. Disneyland!!!!
Summer Goal #4
Yes, I'm jumping around in the list, but it's my list, so I can do what I want. Did that sound as whiny 12yo to you as it did to me? Anyway, so this morning, I was finally able to cross off another thing from my list...Make an Apple Pie.
The following is the process and my thoughts on the matter.
The Recipe
Pie Crust: (enough for a dble crust)
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
5 tbsp. cold vegetable shortening
Ice water (just enough to bind, this may or may not be necessary)
Filling:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
Pinch of salt
7-8 medium apples
2 tbsp. butter (to dot on top)
Step 1: Apples
Does anyone else love apples as much as I do? I love almost any apple based dessert and when it comes to snacking, an apple is almost always what I reach for first. Anyway, I was doing some research about picking apples for pie and came across a few useful bits of information. For example, Granny Smiths are one of the most commonly used baking apples because they tend to hold their shape after cooking. Also, on every site I went to, someone suggested that a combination of apples was the way to go, though the combinations varied.
After much debate and research on seasonal availability, these are the lovelies that I chose for the pie filling: Granny Smiths for tartness and texture, Golden Delicious for moisture and a difference in textures (they are much softer) and Gala for the intensity of its apple flavor.
Even though the recipe didn't say to, as I went about peeling and slicing, the apples went into a bowl of water w/ lemon juice. I did this partially to keep them from browning, but mostly because I like the zing of lemony goodness in baked goods.
Step 2: Filling
I pretty much followed simple steps with this one. First, mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Next, add apples (I dried them on a tea towel first to nix the excess moisture). Finally, toss the apples to coat evenly.
Step 3: Crust
Okay, I'm not going to lie...I used a store bought crust (Pillsbury I think?). I only did this because I don't have a rolling pin (something that will delay progress on Goal #3, I will rectify this soon) handy. That being said, I have successfully used the crust recipe above before, so it is the one that would have been used if I had the right tools. So if you decide to do this, just follow SOP for Crust Making (1. Mix Dry, 2. Work in Butter and Shortening for a 'sand' consistency, 3. Add water if needed), but DO NOT forget to rest the dough if you're not using a stand-up mixer
Anyway, to make-up for using the cheater-crust, I went with a lattice top, not something I've done before...but I think I turned out well
Step 4: Pie Assembly
After gently pressing the bottom crust into the pan, I spooned in the apple filling. I did this because the dry ingredients drew some of the moisture out of the apple slices and I didn't want all of the liquid to soak straight into the bottom crust. Also, I made sure to pile the apple higher in the middle than on the edges, just to get that lovely domed effect (that and everyone on food network says to). Then I dotted the top with butter and poured the aforementioned liquid over the apples. Finally, I flipped the lattice onto the pie, crimped the edges and gave the top a little coat of egg wash and a sprinkling of sugar.
Step 5: Baking
After covering the edges with foil, I threw the pie in a 425F oven. After 35min, I pulled off the foil on the edges, added a small square to the top (it was browning too quickly) and threw it in for another 20min. I had to rotate the pie when during the second stage, but it really depends on how picky your oven is.
Here is the finished result:
It's not too shabby if I do say so myself :)
Final Thoughts (aka Things I'd Change)
I think I'd cover the whole crust with foil for the first half hour or so, then just continue to bake until golden brown and bubbly. The top of my pie got a little burnt.
Also I wouldn't pour the liquid over the apples without reducing it a bit first. When I cut into the pie after it cooled, the sauce was more liquid that yummy apple goodness. I might also add a little more cornstarch to the mix to fix the soupy-ness.
Overall, I think it tastes great. It wasn't too sweet or too tart. The combination of firm and soft apples makes for a really nice texture.
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.Gather Courage to Chop of Hair
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4.Make a Homemade Apple Pie : YUM
5. Paint Bedroom
6. Disneyland!!!!
Note: All Summer Goal Pictures will be added to Facebook as well. There are just too many to post all of them here
The following is the process and my thoughts on the matter.
Pie Crust: (enough for a dble crust)
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
5 tbsp. cold vegetable shortening
Ice water (just enough to bind, this may or may not be necessary)
Filling:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
Pinch of salt
7-8 medium apples
2 tbsp. butter (to dot on top)
Does anyone else love apples as much as I do? I love almost any apple based dessert and when it comes to snacking, an apple is almost always what I reach for first. Anyway, I was doing some research about picking apples for pie and came across a few useful bits of information. For example, Granny Smiths are one of the most commonly used baking apples because they tend to hold their shape after cooking. Also, on every site I went to, someone suggested that a combination of apples was the way to go, though the combinations varied.
After much debate and research on seasonal availability, these are the lovelies that I chose for the pie filling: Granny Smiths for tartness and texture, Golden Delicious for moisture and a difference in textures (they are much softer) and Gala for the intensity of its apple flavor.
Even though the recipe didn't say to, as I went about peeling and slicing, the apples went into a bowl of water w/ lemon juice. I did this partially to keep them from browning, but mostly because I like the zing of lemony goodness in baked goods.
I pretty much followed simple steps with this one. First, mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Next, add apples (I dried them on a tea towel first to nix the excess moisture). Finally, toss the apples to coat evenly.
Okay, I'm not going to lie...I used a store bought crust (Pillsbury I think?). I only did this because I don't have a rolling pin (something that will delay progress on Goal #3, I will rectify this soon) handy. That being said, I have successfully used the crust recipe above before, so it is the one that would have been used if I had the right tools. So if you decide to do this, just follow SOP for Crust Making (1. Mix Dry, 2. Work in Butter and Shortening for a 'sand' consistency, 3. Add water if needed), but DO NOT forget to rest the dough if you're not using a stand-up mixer
Anyway, to make-up for using the cheater-crust, I went with a lattice top, not something I've done before...but I think I turned out well
After gently pressing the bottom crust into the pan, I spooned in the apple filling. I did this because the dry ingredients drew some of the moisture out of the apple slices and I didn't want all of the liquid to soak straight into the bottom crust. Also, I made sure to pile the apple higher in the middle than on the edges, just to get that lovely domed effect (that and everyone on food network says to). Then I dotted the top with butter and poured the aforementioned liquid over the apples. Finally, I flipped the lattice onto the pie, crimped the edges and gave the top a little coat of egg wash and a sprinkling of sugar.
After covering the edges with foil, I threw the pie in a 425F oven. After 35min, I pulled off the foil on the edges, added a small square to the top (it was browning too quickly) and threw it in for another 20min. I had to rotate the pie when during the second stage, but it really depends on how picky your oven is.
Here is the finished result:
It's not too shabby if I do say so myself :)
I think I'd cover the whole crust with foil for the first half hour or so, then just continue to bake until golden brown and bubbly. The top of my pie got a little burnt.
Also I wouldn't pour the liquid over the apples without reducing it a bit first. When I cut into the pie after it cooled, the sauce was more liquid that yummy apple goodness. I might also add a little more cornstarch to the mix to fix the soupy-ness.
Overall, I think it tastes great. It wasn't too sweet or too tart. The combination of firm and soft apples makes for a really nice texture.
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4.
5. Paint Bedroom
6. Disneyland!!!!
Note: All Summer Goal Pictures will be added to Facebook as well. There are just too many to post all of them here
Summer Goals
So this summer, instead of becoming a slave to my MCAT books, I decided that I need to have some fun to break up the studying. How is the fun to be accomplished you ask? Via my new Summer Goals List.
This list will probably keep growing as the summer wears on, but hopefully I get through all of it by the time Fall Quarter rolls around.
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.Gather Courage to Chop of Hair : See Facebook for proof!
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4. Make a Homemade Apple Pie
5. Paint Bedroom
6. Disneyland!!!!
This list will probably keep growing as the summer wears on, but hopefully I get through all of it by the time Fall Quarter rolls around.
Summer Goals (as of 07/09)
1.
2. Build up biking endurance so 8mi doesn't seem so bad
3. Make Marinara sauce and Ravioli from Scratch
4. Make a Homemade Apple Pie
5. Paint Bedroom
6. Disneyland!!!!
April 13, 2010
You know you should stop studying when...
So I've been working on a ridiculous lab report (I stupidly chose the exp't that was pretty much three in one) for the past 4 hours. I decided to take a break and crack open one of my many books.
I then proceeded to read the word "saliva" as suh-lee-vuh rather than suh-leye-vah.
I think my brain is trying to tell me to stop.
I then proceeded to read the word "saliva" as suh-lee-vuh rather than suh-leye-vah.
I think my brain is trying to tell me to stop.
Disturbing
What is so disturbing you ask? Check out this tidbit of information that I gathered, courtesy of Wikipedia:
"Although “Yo Gabba Gabba!” was created as a show for young children, it has slowly become a sensation among college students and even some parents who are entertained by its retro/indie style, bright colors, simplicity, and entertaining music from many of the popular bands featured on the show."
So wrong, on so many levels.
That is all :)
"Although “Yo Gabba Gabba!” was created as a show for young children, it has slowly become a sensation among college students and even some parents who are entertained by its retro/indie style, bright colors, simplicity, and entertaining music from many of the popular bands featured on the show."
So wrong, on so many levels.
That is all :)
March 16, 2010
On being a nerd...
So I find myself smack dab in the middle of finals week, sitting at my computer trying to find creative ways to procrastinate. It is because of this that this completely random post is coming straight to you from the jumbled mess commonly referred to as my brain.
For years I have been labeled a 'nerd.' Now, I don't have a problem with it, because essentially that is what I am. Most nerds are normal looking people that just happen to have, at least at one point in life, made excelling at school their number one priority. Note that I say at one point in life, this is because it is no longer my major goal in this world. Frankly after a few years away from the comfort blanket that is the Valley, I've found that achieving happiness is what matters most to me. Granted, I may achieve it by getting my dream job (pediatrician, as you already know) or by becoming fully skilled on the guitar, but at this point my road to happiness remains to be seen. Oh wow, I totally got pretend-philosophical on you guys...sorry, let me get back to my point.
Being a nerd has become almost common in society and has even found a little niche in entertainment (see The Big Bang Theory and Heroes). Now those people have found a way of applying their status as a nerd to their everyday lives. So my question is...How has being a nerd seeped into your life?
Most Monday nights, you can find me in front of my TV watching the Big Bang Theory, which is a show centered around, you guessed it, nerds. Now there was a Halloween episode that aired, where Sheldon was dressed as the Doppler Effect. Once that was made clear, the first thing that I found pop into my mind was:
The apparent change in the frequency of a wave that is caused by the difference in velocities of the object emitting the wave and the observer.
Now tell me that there isn't anything wrong with that. All I wanted to dow as kick back and enjoy some TV, but instead I made myself feel nerdy.
I need to start getting out more because this is getting ridiculous. When I'm wondering if I can store wine in the freezer and I answer myself with a:
No, it doesn't have a high enough alcohol content to keep the water from freezing and expanding
instead of just simple:
No, because it will explode
I know I need to start taking preventative measures.
PS: Good luck to everyone studying for finals/midterms/tests/whatever. Hope you have awesome Spring Breaks, and if you go anywhere...bring me back a magnet! :)
For years I have been labeled a 'nerd.' Now, I don't have a problem with it, because essentially that is what I am. Most nerds are normal looking people that just happen to have, at least at one point in life, made excelling at school their number one priority. Note that I say at one point in life, this is because it is no longer my major goal in this world. Frankly after a few years away from the comfort blanket that is the Valley, I've found that achieving happiness is what matters most to me. Granted, I may achieve it by getting my dream job (pediatrician, as you already know) or by becoming fully skilled on the guitar, but at this point my road to happiness remains to be seen. Oh wow, I totally got pretend-philosophical on you guys...sorry, let me get back to my point.
Being a nerd has become almost common in society and has even found a little niche in entertainment (see The Big Bang Theory and Heroes). Now those people have found a way of applying their status as a nerd to their everyday lives. So my question is...How has being a nerd seeped into your life?
Most Monday nights, you can find me in front of my TV watching the Big Bang Theory, which is a show centered around, you guessed it, nerds. Now there was a Halloween episode that aired, where Sheldon was dressed as the Doppler Effect. Once that was made clear, the first thing that I found pop into my mind was:
The apparent change in the frequency of a wave that is caused by the difference in velocities of the object emitting the wave and the observer.
Now tell me that there isn't anything wrong with that. All I wanted to dow as kick back and enjoy some TV, but instead I made myself feel nerdy.
I need to start getting out more because this is getting ridiculous. When I'm wondering if I can store wine in the freezer and I answer myself with a:
No, it doesn't have a high enough alcohol content to keep the water from freezing and expanding
instead of just simple:
No, because it will explode
I know I need to start taking preventative measures.
PS: Good luck to everyone studying for finals/midterms/tests/whatever. Hope you have awesome Spring Breaks, and if you go anywhere...bring me back a magnet! :)
March 9, 2010
That's just how my brain works...
So super short, completely random post that I wanted to get out there. The only reason it's here and not on twitter/facebook is because it takes too many characters to write out.
Anyway...let me set the scene: After dinner, chilling on the couch with the Aunt and cousins, watching the end of the movie that we started before we ate. Please keep in mind that I am paraphrasing.
(We were watching Up In the Air)
Movie: George Clooney's character finally man's up and is on his way to see his leading lady.
-Epic Travel Sequence Ensues-
Me: Wouldn't it be funny if she had a family?
Gian: You mean like a husband.
Me: Yeah exactly. Kids, husband, house.
Caren: Why would you think that?
-George Clooney, looking super happy and gorgeous as usual, walks up a snow covered street to her house-
Me: Well look, she's living in a townhouse. If she were single it would be an apartment. What would a single person need with a house?
-Door Opens-
Woman opens door, appalled at who she finds.
Behind her, kids (that's right plural) are running up the stairs.
Cue husband who asks the cliche "Honey who's at the door?"
She shoots George a look, then closes the door while speaking with her husband.
Cut to George Clooney's devastated look.
Did I call it or what?
Anyway...let me set the scene: After dinner, chilling on the couch with the Aunt and cousins, watching the end of the movie that we started before we ate. Please keep in mind that I am paraphrasing.
(We were watching Up In the Air)
Movie: George Clooney's character finally man's up and is on his way to see his leading lady.
-Epic Travel Sequence Ensues-
Me: Wouldn't it be funny if she had a family?
Gian: You mean like a husband.
Me: Yeah exactly. Kids, husband, house.
Caren: Why would you think that?
-George Clooney, looking super happy and gorgeous as usual, walks up a snow covered street to her house-
Me: Well look, she's living in a townhouse. If she were single it would be an apartment. What would a single person need with a house?
-Door Opens-
Woman opens door, appalled at who she finds.
Behind her, kids (that's right plural) are running up the stairs.
Cue husband who asks the cliche "Honey who's at the door?"
She shoots George a look, then closes the door while speaking with her husband.
Cut to George Clooney's devastated look.
Did I call it or what?
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