Pecan Pie

On Thanksgiving, my first pecan pie in quite some time was a mixed success. It tasted great, and looked fantastic until it was cut. It didn't set up in the very center very well, but it ate just fine.

I used the recipe from Fannie Farmer's cookbook. I also tasted a rival's pie later that day, made with the recipe on the back of a Steen's bottle, with some alterations. It produced a nice mellow sweetness and set up beautifully. I think Steen's Cane Syrup is only available down south, though. Regional products!

I'd put the recipe on here, but most of you have your own. I will mention that I whipped the cream with white sugar, a touch of vanilla, and JACK DANIELS. I will make this a regular practice.

Curta... Draperies

We had a rendezvous of Hall women at our house last week. The mission: making KK's curtains for two rooms. I actually remember Lara lecturing me about not calling them curtains; "You call them 'draperies' now." Ironically, Lara was actually in Dallas on Friday while we were sewing; she was passing through the airport on her way somewhere important. Having four Hall women in one place when it is not a holiday would just be... well, surreal.

I absolutely LOVE my draperies! Now I'm trying to figure out how I can make more, since I finally know how to thread and use my sewing machine. Although it was the Grannie who orchestrated the whole thing.

I'm including some far away and close up of the print for the white and yellow ones, and the red draperies just give a cool glow in the daytime. I haven't figured out how I want to hold them back yet, but they are cool enough on their own.

PS: I forgot to mention my AWESOME husband and favorite, Shaw, who hung these bad boys like a pro! With three women as spectators, no less! We are learning how to handle a house, but he is far outshining me! And I'm thankful for him.