The Personal Pie from Breville

I saw this pie maker just before Christmas last year and it was apparently such a good seller that they immediately ran out of stock. I've been on a waiting list for months, and it finally arrived today. Of course I didn't have any fillings prepared, so I decided to use packaged pie dough and whip up a filling of peanut butter and whipped cream. (probably not the best idea for a filling...the whipped cream fell flat...but I had to do something) The first two items were a little too dark on the edges, but that may have just been because it was the first two. The next batch came out much better. I am so excited to try some new fillings and puff pastry instead of pie crust. I will keep you posted as I try new things.

This item is a Williams Sonoma exclusive and I believe that's who the picture is from. I will post my own next time I make pies.

Bacon Maple Sundae

It's Sunday morning, and I am watching some documentary when the new Denny's ad comes on. They start talking about some new campaign that they are running called Baconalia, most items seem pretty normal, bacon sampler, bacon and pancakes even the bacon in meatloaf, BUT then they mention something that breaks the barrier between yummy and totally absurd...a Bacon Sundae! First I thought that it was just a joke, something to make the ad more funny...meant to be absurd so that you'd remember the ad and go have the more normal bacon dishes. I did however feel the need to visit the Denny's web site...and low and behold...it's REAL! Vanilla ice cream, maple-flavored (yes...flavored, not actual maple syrup...yuck!) and bacon! I totally love bacon, don't get me wrong....but has this gone too far? Definitely....but for some strange reason, I really feel this strange need to try this! I will resist, I must!

If I ever cave, I'll be sure to post the review. If you have tried it, I look forward to your comments!

Mighty Leaf Tea

I've been really into tea lately, and the more I drink the more picky I am getting with my selections. I am very focused on Mighty Leaf Tea at this moment. I currently have the variety pack, but one of my absolute favorites is the Orange Dulce.

You can get this almost anywhere by now and the prices are reasonable.
Check out www.mightyleaf.com to see what they have to offer.

Custard slice in South Africa

I traveled to South Africa in March, and always kept an eye out for yummy pastries. I found something called a custard slice...which is pretty much what a Napoleon is. I of course had to get one, BUT unfortunately it didn't even come close! They used something called cream crackers which is a flaky, fairly tasteless cracker instead of puff pastry. The filling was very gelatinous and seems like it came from a mix. It really was a disappointment.
I did find a pastry that I liked and it was just as I remembered. I had an elongated doughnut rolled in fine sugar and filled with fresh whipped cream. Yummy!
Unfortunately I don't have any photos of these.