but I digest

So I made a pie, and it actually turned out great! Not to show off, but I had never made an apple pie before, so it was messy getting the crusts together (I bought pre-made crust for this time only) but it tastes great, and it didn't even look that bad after it was cooked. I mean I don't think I'm going to have my own cooking show anytime soon...

The real problem was that I could not find recipes online that were consistent. Baking time ranged from 45 - 65 minutes and I probably left it in for 65. I was happy I remember to put foil around the edges because they didn't get burned at all. Then the ingredients for the filling all differed, so I winged it. I like spices, so I added a great apple pie spice I found at Marshalls of all places. The apple pie spice consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and mace! (yes, mace). Then a few extra "dashes" of cinnamon and nutmeg. And some vanilla extract. And cornstarch (a tip learned from Grandma many years ago). And a bit of lemon juice, just a tiny bit. I don't do exact amounts for stuff like that. Then I melt some butter and added brown sugar and cinnamon and brushed the top crust. Mmm.

We are still swimming in apples. I need to come up with some more uses for them (other than in my lunch) that are little less calorie-laden.

Did I mention that I also did a zucchini bread last week? Ayye.

Tonight may be the first frost of the year! I can't believe it's already fall, it seems incredible that summer is actually over. As of this weekend, I will have many many many apples for cooking and baking and anything else you might do with apples. If you have an apple recipe that you think I just have to try, send it along! I will be more than happy to enjoy it!

My favorite parts of fall:

fall vegetables
pumpkins
apple picking
(are you sensing a food theme yet?)
cooler weather
leaves!
2008 elections...(ok that's not my favorite part, but a necessary part)

What are your favorite parts?

All right, all systems are go. This blog is now officially launched, and for those of you familiar with "Arrested Development," I am ready to get talked up around the water cooler. Life is a little too stressful when I have to deal with other people's websites, but I am more than happy to blah blah away in my own. Summer was too busy to start this, but now that fall is here, I will have all this magical extra time (in between applying to grad school, working on this godawful novel I have been trying to get together and that whole 'employment' thing).

Oh hello!

Welcome to my garden, if you've come in search for tangerines, I am sorry, I can't help you. What I can provide you with is funny and often boring stories on the day in the life here at Tangerine Garden.

I thought I would begin this blog in the fall, as it is my favorite season, and finally the first chance I have to sit down and start something I enjoy! Now that it's getting cooler and the nights are getting darker earlier, I will have plenty of time to tell all of my tales. So, sit back, relax, and feel free to send me suggestions and comments and you travel through the garden!