TWD: Blueberry Nectarine Pie

Sigh...so sad. Such a tasty pie, but what an unattractive serving...I just can't seem to serve it without uglying it up. I usually slice and serve my pies with a knife and fork, but obviously that just doesn't cut it (Hahaha I'm so funny). I definitely need to get a pie server! Ackk!!

Even though, the slices are quite sad looking, the sweet fruit filling and the salty, buttery crust really hits the spot on those days where you just want to kick back and watch some TV. Pie is awesome.

I've never had blueberry pie before, so I can't compare. I asked my husband for thoughts about the pie. He thought it was good and enjoyed the nectarines. The best part for him was how the filling wasn't completely macerated and the fact that you could actually taste the fruit. Neat!

If you would like to make this pie, check out Liz's blog, That Skinny Chick can bake, or Hilary's blog, manchego's kitchen.

Note: Used Alton Brown's pie crust recipe. Yum.

TWD: Semolina Bread

This week with TWD...Semolina Bread! 

For some reason, I was really productive the day I made this bread. I woke up at 5:50 am, stood straight up, went to the kitchen and started the bread making process. While I was waiting for the first rise and the second rise, I made apple butter, which I have to say, was totally awesome in flavor content. I also scrubbed my car mats, did loads of dishes, cleaned the kitchen, and did other household chores. I have no idea what was up with me. Whatever it was, it felt great! Woo who!

When baking the bread, it smelled fantastic in the kitchen. The room had a beautiful sweet bread aroma that reminded me of my time working at a bakery. I was a cashier/cookie maker/cookie eater.
I had a hard time slashing the bread. My super sharp knife kept getting caught on the sticky dough. Maybe there's a trick to slashing dough? If anyone knows one, I would like to hear about it and try it out!

I enjoyed eating this bread toasted. It had a nutty taste that reminded me of popcorn and toasted walnuts. It especially tasted like popcorn when I slathered melted butter and sprinkled sea salt on it. That was definitely the best way to eat it. Though, I did thoroughly enjoy it with the newly made apple butter as well.
When it wasn't toasted, it had a subtle tangy flavor that reminded me of buttermilk, which I'm not sure why.

If would like to enjoy making and eating your own popcorn bread, check out Anna's blog, Keep it Luce, or Renee's blog, The Way to My Family's Heart. They are this week's hosts!

TWD: Hazelnut Biscotti

When I saw that the next recipe was Hazelnut Biscotti, I was whatever about it. But then...the more I thought about making them, the more I wanted crunch. Everyday, I wanted crunch. I wanted crunch breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Crunch toast. Crunch bacon. Crunch sandwich. JEN CRUNCH!!! Though, nothing seemed to satisfy my crunch craving until I made the biscotti. 

They were fairly easy to make. The best part was blanching the hazelnuts. The purple foam and black water was spooowooooky.

During my first bake, there were warm hints of hazelnuts and sweet bread. MmMm...It also reminded me of the smell of popcorn, which I'm not sure if that's a good sign or not, but I like it! 

When they came out of the oven, the sweet smell of the cookie was abundant. Similar to when you stick your head in a box full of fortune cookies. Ok, I've never done that, but that's the first image that popped into my head when the first bake was done. 

Sadly, my two logs formed into one weird log. So, some of my biscotti looked like Super Mario Bros. clouds. Once, I started I slicing them, I had the theme song stuck in my head. There it is again! Doo do doo. Doo do do do....

The second bake took a lot longer than I thought. But they were worth the wait. I took a huemungo bite and with a loud crunch I was satisfied. 

These babies are also satisfying with some hot chocolate, warm milk, or black tea. If you would like to make some of your own (I'm not sharing), check out Jodi's blog, Homemade and Wholesome, and Katrina's blog, Baking and Boys. They were this week's hosts. Yay biscotti!


-----Update-----
Here's a picture of my Super Mario Bros biscotti: