Guest Blogger: Little Momma and Company

I have people ask me a lot about how I get my kids to eat new and unusual foods, and I have to tell them I think it's because they are in the kitchen with me cooking almost every day. I love giving my kids the experience to not only try new things, but also develop skills that they will use through out the rest of their lives.

Today, we battled my nemesis- pie crust.

I have never liked making pie crust, in fact-- about eight years ago I completely gave up on the idea and told myself I would always buy frozen crusts. But alas, today I felt prepared as I came armed with a bit more knowledge and skill-- and of course, my kids!

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I have received a few tips from family and friends throughout the years on the making of a perfect pie. One of those tips was put to use as I used tapioca to thicken our blackberry pie.

My oldest is a champion measurer. Look at him go!

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My youngest likes to scoop and pour. He got shortening duty.

And of course, there was a fight over who got to cut the crust with my pastry cutter first! Taking turns is another lesson we learn in the kitchen.

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Keep cutting until the mixture resembles:

After you shape your dough into a ball, reserve some for your child(ren) to work on while you work on your pie.

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My kids love miniature ANYTHING, and getting to roll out their own pie crust is unbelievably exciting!

Here my Ben as he:

I am so jealous of my kids miniature silpat rolling pin! If only I would have had one of those as a child!

Did you know you could make a single serving pie in an oven safe mug or small bowl? I ordered pie once at a fancy restaurant and expected a slice, but got my own little ramekin with a perfect apple pie baked inside! This was my inspiration for the boys pies today, keeping it simple.

After you cut a few air holes, sprinkle the top with sugar- it makes it extra yummy.
After the kids were finished, I could concentrate on my own pie. Again, I was not going for beautiful, just edible. Of course, my good friend pie crust threw me a few curve balls along the way. But, I was able to work it out.
Finally, it was time for the best part:
While they bake, I clean up the messes. Mercy me! There was flour everywhere, even in my eyebrows!
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Oh goodness, is that the timer ringing?!

The pies look scrumptious!

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Careful! They are so stinkin' hot!

Now comes the hardest part!

C'mere boys!

They look tasty!

I spoiled my dinner with dessert first! (again! this seems to be the theme of my week!)

I can say, after my eight year vendetta with pie crust-- I finally tamed the ravage beast. Take that pie crust! You will never beat me again! Maybe my kids were good luck!

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Cook with your kids and make some memories today!

My mom's pie crust recipe

3 C flour
1 and a half t salt
1 C crisco
6-7 T ice water

Stir salt into flour. Cut in shortening using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add water, a tablespoon at a time and stir with fork. Divide in half, and roll out for pie. Makes enough for 1 double crust pie.

Old Fashioned Blackberry Pie

1 C sugar
3 T minute tapioca
1/8 t salt
3 C fresh blackberries

Blend sugar, tapioca, and salt. Add blackberries and stir to coat. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, and then 375 for 45-55 minutes.
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Come back next month for another cooking adventure with me, Emily-- from Little Momma and Company
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Oh, and the winner of the Gift Card? After adding up all the entries for posting, we had over 140! Random.org chose 102 which was Angela of The Painted House!