The Pumpkin Pie that Wouldn’t Die

When I review a cookbook I always make the dish as close as possible to the exact recipe—otherwise it wouldn’t be a true test of the cookbook. This is even the case when I’m pretty darn sure there’s a problem here.

The pumpkin pie recipe in the cookbook I’m using now looks delicious, and I have a feeling it’ll taste fantastic. That said, I looked at the ingredient list and said, “this makes two? No way this only makes two pies.” Still, I followed the recipe, because it’s a review book.

Now I have two very full deep-dish pies in the oven. I have a bowl of pumpkin custard waiting to go in. And I still have to figure out what I’m going to do with the remaining roughly one-pie’s-worth of filling. I may have to go around to the neighbors and see if anyone wants a spare pie!

Today’s book review is of Tan Twan Eng’s incredibly lovely and heartbreaking The Gift of Rain. I highly recommend it, even if you don’t usually like historicals. Go read the review… I honestly don’t know what I could say about it in a sentence or two.

Speaking of books…

If you’ve been wanting to pick up any of the writing- and reading-related designs from our Caffeinated Chicanery store, now’s the time! Cafepress sent me a “friends and family” discount coupon that can be used at the shop (fine print reads: “Excludes Gift Certificates, bulk orders, taxes and shipping fees. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or coupons. Valid through November 27, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).”) for $15 off an order of $50 or more. The code is FRFAM2007. So if you’ve been wanting any Word Nerd, Book Nerd, Book Lover, Write with Grace, Write with Curiosity, Character Dictation, or Books are a Girl’s Best Friend items, get ’em cheap(er)! (And consider a Needs More Coffee shirt while you’re there… I get comments on mine constantly!)

Oh, and… (the post that wouldn’t die!) I found an awesome mention of the writing resources on the site today, and wanted to thank Babblin’ on the Bayou! Such kind words! And The Code still thinks my ages-old (in web terms) articles on writing for RPG companies have something worthwhile to impart, which makes me happy.

Have a great Thanksgiving, those who get to take vacation. The rest of you, have a good week. I might drop in now and then, but mostly I’ll be cooking. The holiday is basically just an excuse to cook for us!